Forced Landing of Cessna 172G YV2385 in Canoabo, Venezuela

Incident Overview and Flight Details On February 5, 2026, a Cessna 172G with registration YV2385 departed from the Mariscal Sucre Air Base in Boca de Río, Aragua, at 15:30 UTC. The aircraft was en route to the General Jacinto Lara International Airport in Barquisimeto, Lara, with a pilot and a co-pilot on board. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) at a visual flight level of 4,500 feet. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, while entering the Canoabo Valley, the engine experienced moderate to severe RPM fluctuations and loud detonations before shutting down. ## Emergency Response and Forced Landing The pilot attempted multiple engine restarts using established procedures and checklists but was unsuccessful. The crew initiated an emergency descent and attempted to notify Barquisimeto Approach Control, though communication was hindered by the terrain. The crew selected a suitable area for a forced landing, executing a spiral descent and a 180-degree turn while maintaining glide speed. The aircraft touched down in an area later identified as Hacienda El Alto in Canoabo, Carabobo. After traveling approximately 50 meters, the nose gear struck a depression in the irregular terrain, causing the aircraft to lose stability and overturn. Both crew members were unharmed, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. ## Aircraft and Maintenance Background The aircraft was powered by a Teledyne Continental O-300-C engine (serial 32085D-5-C) and was certified for general aviation-private use with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,043 kg. At the time of the incident, the aircraft held a valid airworthiness certificate issued by INAC. Maintenance was managed by OMAC N° 689, AEROJET SERVICES, C.A. The pilot, aged 63, and the co-pilot, aged 29, both held valid commercial pilot licenses and medical certificates from INAC. ## Investigation Findings Investigators requested various documents from the authority, crew, and maintenance organization, and conducted inspections of the aircraft and engine. The aircraft was found inverted with a deformed McCauley propeller, a broken vertical stabilizer, and a broken fuselage tail. Notably, the installed fuel quantity and amperage indicators did not match the manufacturer's specifications. Engine inspections revealed that the aircraft had not flown since 2017 prior to its airworthiness renewal. Findings included a contaminated and corroded fuel tank, metal and plastic particles in the oil filter, and a crankshaft with service limit deviations. Additionally, the installed generator and carburetor did not match the components recorded during the airworthiness renewal, with no work orders or maintenance certificates found for their replacement. The investigation remains in the technical analysis phase, with the final report pending.