Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing and Aircraft Fire in Pará

Casualties unknown • CAMETÁ, PA, BR

A Cessna U206C experienced a loss of engine power due to internal lubrication failure, resulting in a forced landing on a dirt road and subsequent aircraft fire.

What happened

On June 26, 2009, a Cessna U206C, registration PT-DGK, operated by Soure Táxi Aéreo Ltda., was performing a charter flight from Cametá to Júlio César, Pará, with a pilot and four passengers on board. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 2,000 feet, the aircraft experienced a significant deceleration.

The pilot observed that the oil pressure had dropped to zero, even though the engine RPM remained between 1,500 and 2,000. Despite increasing power, the aircraft failed to maintain traction. As the pilot attempted an emergency landing on a dirt road near the village of Curuçambaba, black smoke emerged from the engine compartment and oil sprayed across the windshield. During the final approach, the aircraft struck an electrical pole and a roadside embankment, causing the aircraft to capsize and catch fire. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the four passengers were uninjured.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the engine following the accident and discovered that the lubrication oil passage for the number 3 connecting rod bearing was completely obstructed. This lack of lubrication caused overheating and excessive wear, which eventually led to the failure of the connecting rod bolts. The resulting damage caused the breakage of the number 3 and number 4 connecting rods and their counterweights. While the engine continued to rotate, it could no longer provide necessary thrust to the propeller.

The investigation also looked into maintenance and operational practices. It was found that the operator did not utilize spectrometric oil analysis, a recommended practice for Continental engines, which could have detected the progressive wear. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that engine oil refills and operational abnormalities were not being recorded in the aircraft's technical logbook.

Findings

  • Internal lubrication failure caused by an obstruction in the number 3 connecting rod bearing oil passage.
  • Failure to implement a spectrometric oil analysis program, which could have identified the bearing wear.
  • Inadequate maintenance oversight, specifically the failure to record oil replenishment and engine abnormalities in the aircraft logbook.
  • Lack of administrative control regarding engine oil consumption by the operator.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by an obstruction in the lubrication passage of the number 3 connecting rod bearing, leading to mechanical failure; this was exacerbated by a lack of predictive maintenance and inadequate recording of engine performance parameters.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-06-26 aircraft accident near CAMETÁ, PA, BR?

A Cessna U206C experienced a loss of engine power due to internal lubrication failure, resulting in a forced landing on a dirt road and subsequent aircraft fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-06-26 involved a aircraft, registration PTDGK, at CAMETÁ, PA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by an obstruction in the lubrication passage of the number 3 connecting rod bearing, leading to mechanical failure; this was exacerbated by a lack of predictive maintenance and inadequate recording of engine performance parameters.

Loading the flight search…