Venezuelan Cessna U206G Forced Landing Due to Oil Pressure Leak (YV2494)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On September 28, 2021, at 18:10 UTC, a single-engine Cessna U206G with registration YV2494 departed from Aeródromo La Paragua (SVGA) in Bolívar, Venezuela, for a cargo flight to San Salvador de Paul, located approximately 58 nautical miles away. The aircraft, operated by Eliseo Méndez, was powered by a 300 hp Continental IO-520-F engine and had a maximum takeoff weight of 3,600 lb. It was certified for commercial specialized air transport and maintained by Aeroservicios Continental C.A. (OMAC N 082). ## Flight Sequence and Emergency Landing During the climb to cruising altitude, the pilot observed irregular engine performance, specifically rising cylinder head temperatures and decreasing oil pressure. As the engine's power diminished and it reached its maximum permitted temperature, the pilot decided to return to the departure runway. However, the aircraft lost altitude, forcing the pilot to select a clear area for an emergency landing. The aircraft landed in a wide, open space following standard manual procedures. During the braking roll, it crossed a grass-covered swamp, causing a severe impact that detached the nose landing gear. The forward fuselage and the tip of the right wing struck the ground, leaving the main landing gear submerged in the swamp and the aircraft resting on its lower fuselage. The pilot remained uninjured and notified local aircraft via public radio frequency. ## Investigation and Probable Cause Investigators verified the oil level (12 liters) and fuel quantity (180 liters) at the scene. A certified maintenance organization inspected the oil pressure indication system and identified a leak at the connection of the pressure hose to the aircraft's firewall. The leak was corrected by reinstalling the connection according to the manufacturer's maintenance manual. The investigation concluded that the primary causal factor was the oil leak at the firewall hose connection, a component replaced based on condition. The pilot held a commercial pilot license with 3,358 total flight hours, and weather conditions at the time were favorable with 3 kt winds and unlimited visibility.