Accident Overview
On September 19, 2024, about 0819 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna U206G, registration N6522Z, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near West Sacramento, California. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 other use work flight.
Flight Details
The pilot reported departures from Sacramento Mather Airport (MHR), Sacramento, California, en route to Watts-Woodland Airport (O41), Woodland, California. Approximately 10 minutes into the flight, while at 3,000 feet mean sea level (msl), the engine experienced an abrupt decrease in power and began to shake. The pilot noted that the cylinder head temperature reading for the number 4 cylinder was no longer displayed on the engine data management display, and all other cylinders were “cooling rapidly.”
Following the power loss, the airplane’s indicated airspeed decreased from 120 knots to 85 knots, and the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. The propeller continued to windmill, but the pilot was uncertain how much power the engine was still producing. He cycled the throttle control from full power to idle and back to full power; during this cycling, the shaking decreased when the throttle was at idle and increased when returned to full power.
Emergency Landing
The pilot declared an emergency to the Northern California Terminal Radar Approach Control facility controller. He identified an open field approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) and initiated a forced landing. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Damage and Examination
Postaccident examination revealed that both wings, the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder sustained substantial damage. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.