Accident Overview
On September 9, 2024, at 17:10 local time, a Cessna 182P, registration HK-1937, was operating a commercial non-regular air taxi flight from Belén de Inambú (SQBK) to Mitú Airport (SKMU) in Vaupés, Colombia. The pilot reported normal operations at 32 nautical miles from Mitú and later advised his position at 10 nautical miles. After being identified by air traffic control, he was assigned number two for approach and landing. The pilot reported the preceding traffic in sight and then stated he was on final approach. Approximately 1 kilometer from Runway 02, he declared a Mayday emergency due to a total loss of engine power. Seconds later, he executed a controlled ditching on the Vaupés River, which lies along the final approach path of Runway 02.
The pilot, the sole occupant, evacuated the aircraft through a door he had previously opened during the emergency. He initially remained on the floating structure and then swam to shore, where he was assisted by a military vessel. He was taken to a medical facility in Mitú and diagnosed with minor contusions.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather conditions at both Belén de Inambú and Mitú were Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and were not considered a contributing factor in the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a valid license and had accumulated 3,178 hours and 20 minutes of total flight time, with 842 hours and 52 minutes on the Cessna 182 type. In the 90 days prior to the accident, he had flown 53 hours and 56 minutes.
Post-Accident Actions
The Colombian Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DIACC) was notified via the operator's SMS system. The Notification was sent to the NTSB in accordance with ICAO Annex 13, and technical information was requested from Cessna and Continental to support the investigation.
Technical Findings
The aircraft, a Cessna 182P with serial number C18264991, was found to be equipped with integral fuel tanks instead of the bladder-type tanks specified for this model. Cessna determined that integral tanks were not installed on the 182 until the 182Q model in 1979, and the tanks on the accident aircraft were not designed or built by Textron Aviation. Investigation of the engine, a Continental O-470-R (serial number 203344-70R), revealed variable conditions among spark plugs and cylinders, suggesting uneven combustion and possible maintenance issues. The fuel system showed evidence of excessive sealant (PRC) application, which could obstruct fuel flow, and the presence of mold and corrosion was noted.
Maintenance Observations
Textron Aviation stated that no official limits exist for the amount of sealant used in fuel tank repairs, nor for mold or corrosion growth, leaving inspection criteria to the technician's judgment. No specific service bulletins or airworthiness directives address mold or corrosion in fuel tanks for this model. Sealant should not contact the finger strainers, as it could block fuel flow.