March 18, Midland, Tex. / Cessna 414

At 1842 central time, a Cessna 414 was damaged following during an in-flight fire shortly after takeoff from Midland International Airport. The pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The pilot reported that he noticed the fuel flow and hydraulics systems had become inoperative and that the engine controls for the right engine became too stiff to operate. He shut down the right engine with the magneto switch to off. The pilot performed an emergency gear extension and landed without further incident. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed a small in-flight fire occurred in the leading edge of the right wing and heat damage to wiring, carrying hoses and aluminum tubing was observed.