Incident Overview
On January 14, 2025, a Cessna C-208B aircraft, registration OB-1870, operated by Compañía Aerodiana S.A.C., was conducting a tourist flight over the Nazca Lines. The flight departed from Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera International Airport (SPSO) in Pisco, Peru, at 15:20 local time, with two pilots and twelve passengers on board.
Sequence of Events
Approximately eight minutes after takeoff, while climbing about 10 nautical miles from the airport, the crew observed a sudden and simultaneous increase in multiple engine parameters, including torque, indicated airspeed, inter-turbine temperature, gas generator speed, and fuel flow, all moving into the maximum permitted range (red arc). Attempts to reduce power using the power lever were unsuccessful, as the engine did not respond to commands. The crew declared an emergency due to a mechanical failure and requested an immediate return to the departure airport.
During the return flight, the engine continued operating with parameters exceeding established limits. The crew maintained altitude and prepared for an emergency landing. After aligning with runway 22 at approximately 1,500 feet, they informed air traffic control of their intention to land with the engine shut down. The aircraft executed a controlled emergency landing on runway 22 without structural damage. After coming to a stop near taxiway Delta, the crew performed standard shutdown procedures. Airport firefighting services assisted and supervised the evacuation of all occupants, who were safely transported to the boarding area.
Aircraft and Engine Information
The aircraft was a Cessna C-208B, serial number 208B1278, registered in Peru as OB-1870. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A engine. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had no reported pre-existing anomalies.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported among the two crew members or the twelve passengers. The aircraft sustained no structural damage, though the engine exceeded operational limits set by the manufacturer.
Investigation Findings
The Peruvian Commission for Aviation Accident Investigation (CIAA) determined that the probable cause of the serious incident was an internal failure of the spring within the Fuel Control Unit (FCU) of the engine. This failure led to a sudden and uncontrollable increase in engine parameters, necessitating an in-flight engine shutdown and an emergency landing.
Safety Recommendations
The CIAA issued safety recommendations to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) to adopt corrective and preventive actions aimed at preventing similar events.