Accident Overview
On August 4, 2023, at 14:35 UTC, a Cessna Aircraft Company 182M, registration YV1824, departed Santa Elena de Uairen Airport (SVSE) for a flight to the indigenous community of Iteweken, with a planned return to SVSE. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger. During the approach phase, with the airfield in sight, the pilot requested landing clearance from Santa Elena de Uairen Tower (TWR-SVSE). Clearance was granted, and the pilot was advised of traffic on short final and to be cautious of turbulence.
Engine Failure and Emergency Landing
At 16:05 UTC, while approximately 3 nautical miles from SVSE, the aircraft began to experience engine malfunction. While on the glide path, about 1.5 miles from the runway, the engine stopped. The pilot initiated emergency procedures as per the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), attempting to restart the engine, but the attempt was unsuccessful. At 16:10 UTC, the pilot executed an emergency landing on the savanna approximately 0.5 nautical miles from Runway 11 of SVSE. The aircraft touched down at about 40 knots and slid for roughly 100 meters before being stopped by vegetation.
Occupants and Aircraft Damage
At 16:17 UTC, the occupants disembarked. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including dents and punctures on the lower right fuselage, leading edges of both wings, right wing underside, wing tips, right door, and both horizontal stabilizer tips. No visible damage was noted to the propeller or engine.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was loss of engine power resulting from the use of fuel whose properties did not meet the technical requirements recommended for aviation operations, despite having a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the use of alternative fuel.