2024 Cessna U206G Emergency Landing in Bolívar, Venezuela (YV2751)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On March 17, 2024, a single-engine, land-based Cessna U206G, registration YV2751, serial number U20604055, filed a flight plan from Santa Elena de Uairén Airport (SVSE) to Uriman Aerodrome (SVUM), both in Bolívar state, Venezuela. The aircraft was owned by Inversiones Moraima C.A. and operated under commercial aviation classification. It carried one person, the pilot, with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,633 kg. The aircraft was airworthy at the time of the incident, according to its valid airworthiness certificate issued by the Venezuelan aeronautical authority (INAC) and maintenance records. The last preventive and scheduled maintenance was performed by OMAC N° 208 Taller Aeronáutico La Montaña, C.A., located at General Tomás Heres Airport in Bolívar state. ## Sequence of Events The aircraft took off at 1201 UTC from runway 29. During initial climb, the pilot observed the aircraft losing speed while attempting to maintain altitude. Upon checking parameters, the pilot identified a loss of power. The pilot applied the procedures established in the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and immediately notified the control tower of the emergency, deciding to return to the departure airport for a landing on runway 11. The pilot was authorized to land on runway 11. However, the pilot continued to experience power loss and informed the tower that the aircraft would not reach the authorized runway. The pilot then executed an emergency landing approximately 2 miles before runway 11. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot was uninjured. ## Pilot Qualifications and Weather Conditions The pilot was 68 years old and held a valid medical certificate, an Airline Transport Pilot License for airplanes, and an airplane flight instructor license, all issued by INAC. The pilot held ratings for instrument flight and single-engine land aircraft (C206/C207, C182). Weather conditions at the time of the incident were visual meteorological conditions (VMC), with calm winds, unlimited visibility, and generally good weather throughout the day. ## Investigation Status The investigation was in the process of analyzing technical, operational, and documentary information. Pending tasks included a thorough review of maintenance records and recent work orders to verify the aircraft's airworthiness prior to the incident, as well as an inspection of the engine. In accordance with Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the incident was reported to the ICAO ADREP system and the United States, the state of design and manufacture, was notified by email.