Factual Information
On 23 April 2009 at 11:20 local time, a Cessna TU206F aircraft (registration OE-KPC) performed a water landing near the beach in Moncofa, Castellón, after the engine failed while cruising at 7,000 ft over the coast. The pilot, a 32-year-old commercial pilot with 1,000 total flight hours (15 on type), and a passenger were onboard. The aircraft had departed from Ontur aerodrome (LEOT) in Albacete at approximately 10:30, en route to Reus Airport for scheduled maintenance.
During the flight, the pilot noticed an oil sheen on the windshield and observed that oil pressure and temperature indications had dropped. At 11:11, the pilot declared an emergency to Valencia approach control due to an engine problem. Shortly after, the engine stopped and radio communications were lost. The pilot attempted to restart the engine during descent but was unsuccessful. At 800 ft AGL, the flaps did not extend, preventing the aircraft from reaching the beach. The aircraft landed on the water and inverted, floating upside down near the shore.
Aircraft and Engine Details
The aircraft, manufactured in 1977, was originally powered by a piston engine but had been retrofitted with a Thielert Centurion 4.0 diesel engine (310 HP) and an MT-Propeller MTV-9-D propeller under Supplemental Type Certificate EASA.A.S.02565. The engine and propeller were installed in April 2007. The aircraft had accumulated 4,390:55 flight hours before the accident. The electrical system included a FADEC with two channels, main and essential buses, and two batteries.
Rescue and Aftermath
Eyewitnesses on the beach saw the aircraft fall and quickly reacted to rescue the two occupants, who were only four meters from shore. Medical services attended the scene and transported both individuals to a hospital for evaluation; they were later released. The aircraft was recovered from the ocean, revealing significant damage to the lower engine cowl, propeller blades, and wing tips from the water impact. Salt water corrosion affected all components, and an oil stain from a perforated engine block coated the lower fuselage. Small slicks from leaking fluids were observed on the water.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries to crew or passengers were reported. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, both from the impact and subsequent salt water exposure. Third parties were unaffected.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was determined by the investigation.