Flight History
On July 23, 2016, a Cessna TU206G, registration HK2787, operated by Aerovías Regionales del Oriente, ARO, Ltda., was conducting a non-scheduled passenger transport flight from La Macarena (LMC) to Villavicencio (VVC) under visual flight rules (VFR). The aircraft carried one pilot and five passengers. The flight from Villavicencio to La Macarena earlier that day was uneventful, departing at 13:10 UTC and arriving at 14:10 UTC. After a four-hour layover, the aircraft departed La Macarena at 18:15 UTC for the return leg.
Engine Malfunction
Approximately 45 minutes after takeoff, while cruising at 5,500 feet, the engine began to vibrate with a 3-inch Hg drop in manifold pressure and a reduction in power to 1,000 RPM. The pilot initiated a controlled descent and planned to land at San Martín Airport (SNR), located in the Meta Department. During the approach, the engine completely shut down. An attempted restart was unsuccessful.
Emergency Landing
Realizing the aircraft could not reach the runway, the pilot selected an unprepared field for a forced landing. The aircraft contacted the ground hard, bounced twice, and came to a stop. The final position was approximately 0.5 nautical miles from the threshold of Runway 21 at San Martín, at coordinates N03°42'46.50" W073°41'05.60". Examination of the impact site indicated a low-angle, low-speed, high-rate-of-descent impact with a magnetic heading of about 280°. The initial ground contact occurred at N03°42'45.50" W073°41'02.51"; the aircraft then bounced and came to rest 101 meters further.
Injuries and Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage, including deformation of the engine mount, fuselage skin, and bulkheads. The propeller blades were bent, indicating low RPM at impact. No fire occurred. According to the investigative report, the pilot sustained minor injuries, while four passengers suffered serious injuries and one passenger sustained minor injuries. All occupants were rescued by local residents.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The investigation by the Colombian Aeronautical Accident Investigation Group (GRIAA) determined that the accident had the following causes:
- Malfunction of the fuel pump operating outside tolerances, causing fluctuating pressure in the system, leading to engine shutdown in flight.
- Execution of an emergency landing in an unprepared field after engine failure.
- Loss of lift while clearing an obstacle during the landing maneuver, causing a hard impact with the terrain and bounce.
The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot License and medical certificate, with 614 total flight hours, 366 of which were on the Cessna 206. The aircraft had a valid airworthiness certificate, and its last inspection was on July 14, 2016. The engine was a Continental TSIO-520-M with 795.22 hours since overhaul. Weather conditions were VMC and did not contribute to the accident.