History of the Flight
The aircraft, a Cessna U206E registered 8R-GMA, operated by Air Services Limited, departed from Eugene F. Correia International Airport to collect four company employees near Bath Settlement Airstrip. The pilot reported normal takeoff and landing at the airstrip. After boarding, pre-taxi and pre-takeoff checks were completed. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft suddenly drifted to the right. Efforts to correct the drift were unsuccessful. The aircraft became airborne briefly but remained in ground effect, then touched back down. It continued rolling right, crossed a trench, and came to rest nose-down in a flooded rice field.
Injuries
The pilot and four passengers exited the aircraft unaided. They suffered minor cuts and bruises. The source reports no fatal or serious injuries.
Damage
The aircraft was partially submerged in water. Most damage was observed on the port wing, which had contacted a dam.
Pilot Information
The male pilot, aged 44, held a Guyana Airline Transport Pilot Licence. He had a total of 12,416:54 flight hours, with 27:08 hours in the last 90 days, 1:26 hours in the last 7 days, and 0:25 hours in the last 24 hours. His last proficiency check on the C206 type was on 27 January 2016. His medical certificate was valid until 31 July 2016.
Aircraft Information
- Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company
- Model: U206E
- Year of Manufacture: 1971
- Serial Number: U20601614
- Total Airframe Hours: 13,705:39
- Engine: Continental IO 520-F9B
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 3,600 lbs
- Fuel: AVGAS 100LL
The aircraft was a six-seat, single-engine, high-wing utility aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear. Its last scheduled 100-hour inspection was performed 12:41 flight hours before the accident. No outstanding maintenance issues, deferred defects, or reported defects were noted. The load sheet indicated a takeoff weight of 3,231 lbs with a payload of 666 lbs (four passengers and a small toolkit).
Cause
The investigation determined the cause of the accident was the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.