What happened
On December 19, 2022, a Cessna 206, registered 9H-MDJ, departed Cayenne-Félix Éboué airport in French Guiana for a flight to Maripasoula. The mission was a dry-lease freight transport intended to deliver food supplies. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of power accompanied by an unusual noise. Unable to maintain level flight, the pilot performed an emergency landing in a field approximately 10 km southwest of the airport. During the impact, the nose gear collapsed and the wingtips were torn off, though the aircraft came to a halt within 20 meters.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage and the engine components. Investigators found that the engine's crankcase had been perforated due to the in-flight rupture of an internal rod. While oil samples showed no abnormal metal particles, the examination of the oil filter revealed an abnormally large quantity of metal particles. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the engine had been experiencing recurrent oil leaks in the days preceding the accident. A recent repair involving the installation of a new oil cooler and filter had been performed, but no in-depth internal inspection of the engine was conducted following the recent leak-related issues.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an engine failure resulting from the rupture of a connecting rod.
- The aircraft had been subject to recent maintenance to address persistent oil leaks, but no non-routine internal examinations were performed to check the engine's internal condition.
- The presence of significant metal debris in the oil filter indicated internal engine degradation prior to the catastrophic failure.