Summary
On 15 July 2021 at approximately 21:35 UTC (17:35 GST), a privately owned and operated Cessna P206 Skylane II, registration 8R-DAC, encountered a serious incident during the take-off roll at Kamarang Aerodrome (SYKM), Guyana. The pilot was the sole occupant; no passengers were on board, but the aircraft carried cargo consisting of four empty 45-gallon plastic barrels. The intended destination was Aricheng Aerodrome (SYAR) for parking and crew rest.
History of Flight
The pilot positioned the aircraft approximately 137 feet from the end of Runway 07, completed pre-take-off checks, and commenced the take-off roll. During rotation, as the nose wheel lifted off the ground, the pilot heard a very loud noise and felt severe vibrations. He immediately stopped the aircraft, turned off engine power, and exited. He observed damage to the engine cowling and that the propeller was missing from the aircraft. Upon further inspection, he found one propeller blade approximately 171 feet from the start of the take-off roll and 27 feet to the right of the runway centreline. The other blade, with the hub still attached, was found approximately 259 feet from the start and 37 feet to the right of the centreline. The runway surface showed minor impact damage (small gouges).
Aircraft and Engine Information
The aircraft, a 1965 Cessna model P206 (serial number P206-0030), had accumulated 6,175:33 hours and 5,032 landings since new. It was powered by a single Continental Motors Inc. IO-520-A (43) engine (serial number 1037970) with 542:17 hours since new. The two-blade constant-speed McCauley propeller (part number E2A34C73-NP15-90AT-8, serial number 744886) had 2,995 hours since new and 929:40 hours since its last overhaul. The propeller had been repaired on 22 April 2021 by Aero Propeller of the United States due to an oil leak.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a 32-year-old male with a valid Class 2 medical certificate (expiring 24 May 2022) and an aircraft proficiency check valid to 28 January 2023. He had accumulated 1,676 total flying hours, with approximately 800 hours on type. His previous rest period was 12 hours off duty and 6 hours on duty.
Aerodrome and Meteorological Information
Kamarang Aerodrome is an uncontrolled, all-weather aerodrome with an asphalt runway (07/25 orientation) 3,311 feet long and 65 feet wide, at an elevation of 1,596 feet. It has no runway lights or navigational aids. At the time of the incident, weather was ceiling and visibility unlimited (CAVU) and not considered relevant. Communications and navigational aids were also not factors.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained damage confined to the engine area, including damaged engine mounts, engine cowlings, and separation of the propeller from the engine. One propeller blade separated from the hub; the other remained attached to the hub. Minor gouges were observed on the runway surface. There was no fire.
Investigation
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority was notified by the aircraft owner at approximately 22:10 UTC on 15 July 2021. The investigation began the same day, but a site visit was delayed due to the late hour and remote location. The occurrence was initially classified as an accident but later re-designated as a serious incident.