What happened
On February 21, 2019, a Cessna U206G, registration 8R-GHB, was performing a fuel shuttle operation between Ekereku Bottom Airstrip and Eteringbang Airstrip in Guyana. During the final leg of the day's operations, eyewitnesses in the nearby village of San Martin observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude along the Cuyuni River.
Observers noted the aircraft performing a steep climb, after which the engine noise decreased and the plane entered a sharp descent. A sputtering sound was heard from the engine before the aircraft disappeared from view. Shortly thereafter, an explosion occurred, followed by visible flames and smoke at the site. The aircraft struck a tree, causing the right wing to separate, and the subsequent impact and fire destroyed the fuselage. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained one fatality.
The investigation
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's records, and the operational environment of the operator, Domestic Airways. Investigators reviewed the engine, which showed no mechanical anomalies prior to the crash, and confirmed the aircraft was in compliance with all maintenance and airworthiness requirements.
The investigation also looked into the company's management culture and the oversight provided by the GCAA. Evidence was gathered from ground personnel regarding the pilot's recent flight behaviors and the company's ability to supervise remote operations at sub-bases away from the main base at Ogle.