On May 12, 2026, a CESSNA AIRCRAFT U206G (registration YV1665) operated by PRIVADO. was involved in an aviation accident near COMUNIDAD INDIGENA LAS BONITAS., VE. This summary draws on records from the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC Venezuela); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On May 12, 2026, a Cessna U206G (YV1665) experienced engine failure due to fuel starvation near Las Bonitas, Venezuela. The pilot made a forced landing, resulting in minor damage and no injuries.
Incident Overview and Flight Details On May 12, 2026, a Cessna U206G with registration YV1665, operated by a private general aviation entity, filed a flight plan from La Paragua Aerodrome (SVGA) to the Uriman Indigenous Community (SVUM) in Bolívar State, Venezuela. The aircraft was fueled with 240 liters of Avgas (120 liters per tank) and departed at 14:25 UTC. The initial leg to Uriman was completed without incident, with the aircraft landing at 15:30 UTC. ## Engine Failure and Emergency Response At 15:50 UTC, the aircraft departed Uriman for La Paragua with the pilot and one passenger on board. The flight proceeded under visual flight rules (VFR) at a visual flight level of 6,500 feet. Approximately 40 minutes into the return leg, near the Las Bonitas Indigenous Community, the pilot observed an oscillation in the fuel flow instrument, indicating a fuel system anomaly. This was followed by a loss of power, decreased engine RPM, severe thrust fluctuations, and a complete engine shutdown due to fuel starvation. The pilot immediately applied emergency procedures from the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and checklist but was unable to restart the engine. Recognizing that the aircraft would not reach the nearest runway at Las Bonitas, the pilot initiated an emergency descent and selected a suitable area near Las Bonitas for a forced landing. The aircraft touched down, skidded approximately 50 meters, and came to a stop. The pilot and passenger were unharmed, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. ## Aircraft and Maintenance Information The aircraft was powered by a Teledyne Continental IO-520-F six-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled engine (Serial 247832R) and was equipped with a McCauley D3A34C404 propeller (Serial 794223). The maximum takeoff weight was 1,633 kg. At the time of the incident, the aircraft held a valid certificate of airworthiness issued by the Venezuelan aeronautical authority (INAC). Maintenance was performed by OMAC N° 208, Taller Aeronautico La Montaña, C.A., located at General Tomás de Heres Airport in Ciudad Bolívar. ## Pilot Qualifications and Weather Conditions The pilot-in-command, aged 25, held a valid commercial pilot license for single-engine land aircraft (C206) and an instrument rating, both issued by INAC and valid until May 5, 2027. The pilot also held a valid medical certificate. Meteorological conditions at the time of the incident were CAVOK (Ceiling And Visibility OK). ## Investigation and Findings The investigation involved the collection of aircraft and crew documentation, interviews, photographic records, and a physical inspection of the aircraft. The engine was placed under custody (Cesión de Custodia N° 017-2026) for technical analysis to determine the root cause. Physical inspection revealed the following: - Nose Gear: Semi-detached from its fittings; the drag link (P/N 1243600-1), upper trunnion (P/N 1243610-24), and fork (P/N SK205-3) were fractured. The steering bungee (P/N 1260644-H), shimmy damper (P/N 0743624-2), and steering bungee support fitting (P/N 1213432-1) were damaged. The nose gear tire and ring were damaged. - Main Gear: Both left and right main gear assemblies, tires, and rings were in good condition. - Engine and Propeller: Two propeller blades were bent; one blade was undamaged. The hub and spinner were undamaged. The engine itself showed no damage, and no oil or fuel leaks were observed. Both upper and lower engine cowlings (left and right) were damaged. - Fuselage: Wrinkles were present on the left and right forward fuselage panels at station 18.4. - Empennage: The vertical and horizontal stabilizers, elevator, and rudder were undamaged. - Wings: The left wingtip was damaged, and wrinkles were present on the left wing leading edge between stations 190.0 and 208.0. The right wing was in good condition. ## Notifications and Status In accordance with Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the incident was reported to the ICAO ADREP system (Expediente N° 014/2026). The United States, as the state of design and manufacture, was notified and assigned an accredited representative. As of May 22, 2026, the investigation was in the technical, operational, and documentary analysis phase, with the final report pending.