Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Cessna 206 in Antioquia

Casualties unknown • Caldas, CO

A Cessna 206 experienced an engine shutdown during descent near Caldas, Colombia, resulting in a forced landing on an unpaved road and substantial aircraft damage.

What happened

On May 17, 2016, a Cessna 206G, registration HK2804, was performing a non-scheduled passenger transport flight from Quibdó to Medellín. The aircraft was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and had departed with approximately 60 gallons of fuel.

While descending through 9,000 feet near the town of Caldas, Antioquia, the engine suddenly stopped running. The pilot attempted emergency restart procedures without success and notified Rionegro Air Traffic Control. Faced with a total loss of power, the pilot executed an emergency landing on an unpaved road in the Vereda El Raizal area. During the impact, the aircraft's nose gear detached, and the left wing struck wire fence posts, causing a sharp yaw to the left. The aircraft subsequently struck a bank on the right side of the road, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe, including a deformed empennage and damaged wing leading edge. The pilot, the sole occupant, evacuated the aircraft uninjured.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation focused on determining the cause of the engine shutdown. Investigators examined the Continental TSIO-520M engine and its accessories at an authorized workshop in Bogotá. The inspection revealed that the engine and its components, including the fuel injection system and magnetos, were in normal working condition and showed no signs of internal mechanical failure or accessory malfunction.

Fuel exhaustion was ruled out, as investigators recovered 15 gallons of fuel at the crash site, and the pilot's records indicated sufficient fuel for the flight duration. The investigation also considered the pilot's recent flight history, noting that while highly experienced with this aircraft type, the pilot had only flown 2.5 hours in the three days prior to the accident.

Findings

  • The engine shutdown was likely caused by improper engine operation, specifically related to carburetor icing or an incorrect air-fuel mixture adjustment.
  • The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the airframe, including the nose gear, left wing, and empennage.
  • The pilot was able to evacuate the aircraft safely and without injury.
  • Maintenance records indicated the aircraft had been following all required manufacturer service intervals.

Probable cause

The engine failure was likely due to improper engine management, such as inadequate mixture adjustment or the formation of carburetor ice, which prevented fuel from reaching the engine during descent.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-05-17 TU206G accident near Caldas, CO?

A Cessna 206 experienced an engine shutdown during descent near Caldas, Colombia, resulting in a forced landing on an unpaved road and substantial aircraft damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-05-17 involved a TU206G, registration HK2804, at Caldas, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was likely due to improper engine management, such as inadequate mixture adjustment or the formation of carburetor ice, which prevented fuel from reaching the engine during descent.

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