What happened
On February 25, 2010, a Cessna U206F, registration OB-1117, operated by Nazca Airlines, departed from the Maria Reiche Newman Aerodrome for a scheduled 30-minute sightseeing flight over the Nazca Lines. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and six passengers.
After completing the initial portion of the flight circuit and climbing toward an assigned altitude of 3,200 feet, the aircraft began a right-hand turn to overfly the "Spider" geoglyph. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a sudden increase in bank angle and entered an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft struck the terrain at an elevation of approximately 1,620 feet. All seven fatalities (the pilot and six passengers) were confirmed at the scene. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined flight records, maintenance logs, and digital video footage recovered from the aircraft. The investigation reviewed the pilot's training history, noting that while the pilot was properly licensed and medically certified, the operator's manual prohibited passengers from manipulating flight controls.
Investigators analyzed the aircraft's performance capabilities, specifically the maneuver speed (Va) and stall characteristics. Digital video from the flight showed the pilot providing instructions to a passenger regarding the manipulation of the flap lever. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, specifically regarding compliance with FAA Airworthiness Directives and the inspection intervals for flight control cables.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control due to an aerodynamic stall and the crew's inability to recover the aircraft.
- The aircraft experienced excessive structural and aerodynamic loads during the maneuver.
- The pilot failed to maintain the manufacturer-established speeds required for safe maneuvering.
- The aircraft was operating with an occupancy of seven persons, exceeding the certified limit of six seats for the Cessna U206F.
- The pilot allowed a passenger to manipulate a high-lift device (flaps) during flight.
- The aircraft's altitude at the time of the maneuver was insufficient to allow for an effective recovery from the stall.
Safety action
- The CIAA recommended that the DGAC establish appropriate flight level standards and a dedicated air corridor for sightseeing operations in the Nazca area.
- A recommendation was made to reduce the inspection interval for flight control cables on single-engine Cessna aircraft from 200 to 100 hours.