Accident Overview
On 23 May 2024, a Piper PA-32RT-300 aircraft, registration OB-1902, operated by Red Wing Aviation S.R.L., was conducting a passenger flight from Pucallpa Airport (SPCL) to Contamana Aerodrome (SPCM). The aircraft was occupied by a pilot and five passengers.
Sequence of Events
While descending at approximately 20 nautical miles from Contamana aerodrome, the pilot perceived a loss of engine power followed by an engine shutdown. He immediately attempted to restart the engine by switching fuel tank selectors, but the restart was unsuccessful. Unable to reach the destination aerodrome, the pilot identified an islet in the Ucayali River and elected to perform an emergency landing. The landing gear was retracted to prevent the aircraft from nosing over upon ground contact. The aircraft slid approximately 100 meters before coming to a stop. During the ground contact, the propeller blades struck the terrain and bent slightly. The aircraft sustained minor external damage.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft suffered damage to the propeller blades and internal engine components, while the fuselage and wings generally sustained non-significant damage. The pilot evacuated the passengers, and none reported injuries. This was confirmed during a medical check at the Contamana hospital. The source shows no fatalities or serious injuries; all six occupants had no injuries.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The Piper PA-32RT-300, serial number 32R-7885220, was manufactured in 1978. The aircraft was registered in Peru and had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot license with instructor rating, with a total flight time of 9,784.18 hours, including 4,000 hours on the PA-32RT-300. His medical certificate was valid until 30 July 2024.
Investigation Findings
Per the investigation by the Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes de Aviación (CIAA) of Peru, the accident was caused by a loss of engine power resulting from a fuel leak in the servo injector. This leak prevented adequate fuel supply to the engine, leading to its stoppage and necessitating the emergency landing.