What happened
On September 28, 2021, at 18:10 UTC, a Cessna U206G, registration YV2494, departed from La Paragua Aerodrome (SVGA) in Bolívar State, Venezuela, for a cargo flight to San Salvador de Paul. During the climb to cruise altitude, the pilot noticed irregular engine operation, specifically an increase in cylinder head temperature and a decrease in oil pressure.
The pilot attempted to return to the departure runway; however, engine power continued to diminish as temperatures rose and pressure dropped. As the aircraft lost altitude, the engine reached its maximum allowable temperature, leaving the pilot with no choice but to perform an emergency landing in an open area. During the landing roll, the aircraft crossed a grassy marshland strip. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, leading the forward fuselage and the right wingtip to strike the ground. The main landing gear subsequently sank into the marsh. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage at the site and reviewed maintenance records, which showed that the most recent 50, 100, and 200-hour inspections had been performed in July 2020. The inspection of the engine's oil pressure indication system was conducted by a certified maintenance organization. This examination focused on the lubrication system, including the oil pump, filter, radiator, and pressure regulating valve.
Findings
- The investigation identified an oil leak at the junction where the oil pressure hose meets the firewall connector.
- This leak caused the observed drop in oil pressure and subsequent rise in engine temperature.