Cessna U206G Runway Excursion at Santa Elena de Uairén (YV1797)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On October 15, 2025, a Cessna U206G, registration YV1797, serial number U20606104, operated by Inversiones Moraima C.A., departed Aeródromo Santa Elena de Uairén (SVSE) in Bolívar State, Venezuela, at 18:45 UTC. The flight was planned under visual flight rules (VFR) to the Awarauka Indigenous Community, with one crew member on board, a fuel endurance of three hours, and a planned flight level of FL065. The aircraft was equipped with a Continental IO-520-F engine and had a maximum takeoff weight of 1,633 kg. ## Operational Context and Weather The pilot, a 47-year-old captain, held valid licenses, medical certification, and ratings issued by Venezuela's INAC, including Instrument Flight and Single Engine Land (C206) ratings valid until July 10, 2026. The aircraft was airworthy with valid registration and airworthiness certificates, and its insurance was current. The last scheduled maintenance was performed by OMAC N° 208 Taller Aeronáutico La Montaña, C.A., in Ciudad Bolívar. During the approach to Awarauka, the pilot encountered bad weather and gusty winds. After touchdown and during the landing roll, strong gusts caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, resulting in a runway excursion. The sole occupant was uninjured, while the aircraft sustained significant damage. ## Damage Assessment The investigation found the nose gear semi-detached from its fittings, with a fractured drag link, upper trunion, and fork. The steering bungee was damaged, while the shimmy damper and associated fittings remained undamaged. The main landing gear, fuselage, empennage, and right wing showed no damage. The left wing sustained a skin impact on the leading edge between stations 190.0 and 208.0, with additional damage to the wingtip. The propeller had a slight bend on one blade, while the engine, oil, and fuel lines showed no leaks or damage. ## Investigation and Safety Measures The investigation included crew interviews, document collection, aircraft inspection, and photographic evidence. The JIAAC issued a preventive measure to the aeronautical community, emphasizing the challenges of low-level wind shear during takeoff and landing. The investigation is currently in the technical analysis phase, with the final report pending. The incident was reported to ICAO's ADREP system, and the United States, as the state of design and manufacture, was notified and assigned an accredited representative.