Incident Overview
On an unspecified date in 2025 at 17:10 UTC, a Cessna R172K, registration YV2826, departed from Santa Elena de Uairén Airport (SVSE) in Bolívar State, Venezuela, on a flight to the Parkupik indigenous community in the same state. The aircraft was privately owned and carried one pilot and three passengers.
In-Flight Event
The flight proceeded normally until the aircraft was approximately 30 nautical miles from its destination. At that point, the pilot noticed a fluctuation in the engine temperature indicator. Following the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) emergency procedures, the pilot checked the oil and other gauges but did not achieve satisfactory results. The pilot then decided to perform an emergency landing near a guard post of Paratepuy National Park.
Landing and Occupants
The landing was executed without incident, and both the pilot and passengers were uninjured. The aircraft sustained no additional damage beyond the reported gauge issue.
Aircraft and Engine Details
The aircraft is a single-engine Cessna R172K (serial R1723243) powered by a Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine. It has a fixed tricycle landing gear with a steerable nose wheel. The aircraft’s airworthiness certificate was valid at the time of the incident, issued by the Venezuelan Aeronautical Authority (INAC). The last scheduled maintenance was performed by OMAC No. 689 AEROJET SERVICES, C.A. at Mariscal Sucre Air Base, Maracay, Aragua State.
Pilot Information
The 47-year-old pilot held a Commercial Pilot License – Airplane issued by INAC, with current medical certification valid until April 25, 2025. His ratings included Instrument Flight (valid until November 12, 2025) and Single Engine Land (C172, C206, valid until November 12, 2025).
Investigation and Probable Cause
The Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC) conducted the investigation. Inspections with aircraft maintenance technicians revealed that the oil temperature gauge had an oscillation. Loose connectors in the instrument were found, as per AMM Section 12 of Maintenance Manual D2027-1TR8. After repair, an engine run showed normal parameters. The probable cause was determined to be loose connectors in the oil temperature indicator.