Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Cessna U206F in Colombia

Casualties unknown • Pana Pana, CO

A single-engine aircraft experienced a sudden engine failure during initial climb, forcing the pilot to perform a controlled emergency landing in an unprepared field.

What happened

On January 9, 2021, a Cessna U206F, registration HK1526, was performing a non-scheduled air taxi operation from Campoalegre (SKMH) to Mitú (SKMU) in the Guainía department of Colombia. The flight was being operated by Aerovías Regionales del Oriente S.A. with a single pilot on board.

After completing a previous leg of the flight and unloading cargo, the pilot departed Campoalegre with 45 gallons of fuel. Approximately five minutes into the climb, at an altitude of 2,500 feet, the engine suffered a sudden failure. The pilot attempted to follow the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) procedures, performing five to six attempts to restart the engine by adjusting the mixture, switching fuel tanks, and using the auxiliary pump, but none were successful.

Unable to maintain flight, the pilot identified an unprepared field for an emergency landing. The aircraft reached the site at approximately 1,500 feet and 70 knots. While the landing was controlled, the uneven terrain caused significant damage to the nose gear, propeller, and the front section of the engine and cargo pod. The pilot evacuated the aircraft with minor injuries and was later rescued by local residents via the Cuiar .

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation examined the engine, accessories, and fuel system. Although the investigation was limited by health-related travel restrictions in place at the time, the engine was subsequently inspected and tested on a ground stand. The investigation focused on several hypotheses for the engine failure, including internal engine failure, accessory malfunction, fuel exhaustion, fuel contamination, and fuel system malfunction.

Findings

  • The engine and its accessories were found to be in good working order during subsequent ground testing.
  • The pilot was technically proficient and experienced with the aircraft type.
  • The primary cause of the incident was the sudden engine failure during the initial climb.
  • While the exact origin of the power loss could not be definitively determined, evidence suggested a probable malfunction in the fuel system that prevented sufficient fuel from reaching the engine.

Probable cause

The engine failure occurred during the initial climb phase, leading to a forced landing in an unprepared field. The investigation identified a probable malfunction within the aircraft's fuel system as the reason the engine ceased operation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-01-09 U206F accident near Pana Pana, CO?

A single-engine aircraft experienced a sudden engine failure during initial climb, forcing the pilot to perform a controlled emergency landing in an unprepared field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-01-09 involved a U206F, registration HK1526, at Pana Pana, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure occurred during the initial climb phase, leading to a forced landing in an unprepared field. The investigation identified a probable malfunction within the aircraft's fuel system as the reason the engine ceased operation.

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