Overview
On June 3, 2025, at 16:26 UTC, a Cessna U206G aircraft, registration YV1983, departed from the indigenous community of Itewequen in Bolívar State, Venezuela, with a single pilot on board. The intended destination was Santa Elena de Uairén Airport (SVSE), also in Bolívar State. During the final approach, approximately 5 nautical miles from the airport, the aircraft experienced a loss of power and the engine shut down. The pilot attempted the in-flight restart checklist but was unsuccessful, declared an emergency to the control tower, and executed an emergency landing on a road located about 6 nautical miles before the airport. The landing was completed without incident; the pilot remained uninjured and the aircraft sustained no damage.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company, is a model U206G (serial number U20606000), powered by a single Continental IO-520-F engine. It held a valid airworthiness certificate from the Venezuelan civil aviation authority (INAC) at the time of the event. The last scheduled maintenance was performed by OMAC N°082 – Aeroservicios Continental, S.R.L., located at General Tomás de Heres Airport in Ciudad Bolívar.
The 45-year-old pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot License and a medical certificate valid until October 10, 2025. He was rated for Instrument Flight (valid until April 30, 2026) and Single-Engine Land (C206) (valid until April 30, 2026).
Event Sequence
After departure from Itewequen, the flight proceeded normally until the aircraft was on final approach to Santa Elena de Uairén Airport, within the 5-mile arc. At that point, the engine lost power and stopped. The pilot followed emergency procedures, including an in-flight restart attempt, which did not succeed. He then declared an emergency to air traffic control and announced his intention to land on a nearby road. The landing was performed without any damage to the aircraft or injury to the pilot.
Weather conditions at the time were reported as calm wind, unlimited visibility, and generally good weather throughout the day.
Investigation
The Junta Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación Civil (JIA) under Venezuela’s Ministry of Transport is conducting the investigation. Activities include interviews with the pilot, review of flight and maintenance documents, inspection of fuel system components (including filters, lines, and valves), an engine run-up (which showed parameters within normal limits), and photographic documentation. The United States, as the state of design and manufacture, was notified and appointed an accredited representative. The investigation is in the preliminary phase and continues; no final report has been issued.