Flight History
On 7 May 2021, a Cessna C-177RG Cardinal, registration OB-1332, operated by Red Wing Aviation S.R.L., departed from Contamana aerodrome (SPCM) at 09:35 local time, bound for Pucallpa Airport (SPCP). During climb to 3,000 feet, the engine began losing power, oil pressure dropped, and the engine subsequently shut down. The pilot declared an emergency to Contamana and attempted to restart the engine twice, without success.
Ditching and Rescue
Unable to find suitable terrain due to dense jungle, the pilot elected to ditch in a lake known as Laguna San José, located 17 km southeast of Contamana. The pilot performed the ditching procedure from the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), approaching at 60–65 knots with landing gear retracted. The ditching was executed correctly; the aircraft sustained no major damage, and the propeller was undamaged. Evacuation was performed through the copilot's side door, as the pilot-side door handle broke on impact. The aircraft gradually sank. Occupants remained on the aircraft for 10–15 minutes until rescued by boats that witnessed the ditching. They were taken to Contamana for medical evaluation; all sustained minor injuries.
Investigation
The investigation determined that the fracture of the coupling gear for the magneto and camshaft (crankshaft idler gear assembly) caused an uncommanded engine shutdown. The gear assembly failure prevented the engine from maintaining power, leading to the forced ditching.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was an uncommanded engine shutdown in flight caused by a fracture of the gear assembly (crankshaft idler), which forced the pilot to perform an emergency ditching.
Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage due to the ditching and subsequent total submersion in Laguna San José. No damage to third parties or the environment was reported.