History of the Flight
The aircraft departed its base at Eugene F. Correia International Airport (EFCIA) Ogle on 26 August 2017 to perform a series of shuttles between Mahdia and other airstrips in Region 8. Records show that eleven shuttles were completed that day, and the aircraft overnighted at Mahdia.
On 27 August 2017, the aircraft departed Mahdia Airstrip at 11:26 UTC for Chi-Chi Airstrip carrying a cargo of three drums of gasoline. A landing report for Chi-Chi was received at 12:12 UTC. The aircraft then departed Chi-Chi Airstrip at 12:17 UTC with an estimated arrival time at Mahdia of 12:47 UTC. At 13:08 UTC, a distress signal from the aircraft was detected by the COSPAS/SARSAT satellite system and relayed to the Aeronautical Information Service via the USMCC. The time of the accident according to the report is 11:47 UTC.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, died. There were no other injuries.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed by impact. Trees and foliage at the wreckage site sustained slight damage.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a 42-year-old male of Guyanese nationality, holding a valid Class 1 Medical certificate and a Guyanese pilot license (CA000289) issued on 28 February 2011. He held type ratings for Cessna 172, Cessna 206, and Cessna 208. His last proficiency check on type was completed on 28 July 2017. His total flight experience was approximately 7,072 hours, with about 4,803 hours on the Cessna 206. In the last 90 days, he had flown 305 hours; in the last 30 days, 99 hours; in the last 7 days, 22 hours; and in the last 24 hours, 7 hours 56 minutes. Company records indicate successful completion of recurrent Cessna 206 ground school on 8 February 2017.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna U206F, registered as 8R-GFM, and operated by Air Services Limited.
Miscellaneous
There was no fire. The accident occurred near Mahdia Airstrip, Guyana. The aircraft was destroyed.