What happened
On December 5, 2008, a Cessna U206G, registration OB-1145, operated by Alas de Esperanza Peru, departed from Atalaya Aerodrome for a flight to Los Misioneros, Satipo. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and seven passengers.
Approximately ten minutes into the flight, the pilot observed a progressive decrease in fuel pressure. After attempting various procedures without success, the pilot determined that continuing the flight was unsafe. Although the pilot initially intended to return to Atalaya, the continuing drop in fuel pressure necessitated an emergency landing. The aircraft landed on a small island along the Tambo River, south of Atelya. During the approach, the pilot had to maneuver around high-voltage power lines spanning the river. The impact caused structural damage to the fuselage, the horizontal stabilizer leading edge, and the elevator, as well as significant damage to the landing gear. All eight occupants (the pilot and seven passengers) were uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation established several operational irregularities. While the pilot held a valid commercial license and medical certificate, and the aircraft possessed a valid airworthiness certificate, the investigation found that the aircraft was transporting more people than the permitted six seats allowed by its type certificate. Specifically, the aircraft was carrying eight individuals, including an infant, without appropriate seating or safety restraints.
Furthermore, the investigation noted that the weight and balance calculations for the flight were not properly performed. The investigation also identified discrepancies in the operator's training programs and noted that the aircraft's checklist had been translated into Spanish without official certification from the aeronautical authority.