Cessna 525A FADEC Degradation Warning During Flight from Caracas to Panama (YV2844)

Flight Details and Event Description A Cessna 525A, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company, departed from the Oscar Machado Zuloaga International Airport in Charallave, Miranda State, Venezuela, bound for Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama. The aircraft carried nine persons on board: one pilot and eight passengers. The estimated flight time was 1 hour and 50 minutes, with a fuel endurance of 4 hours and a maximum takeoff weight of 4,700 kg. During cruise near the KONSO reporting point at flight level 400, the anti-ice system was activated to prevent degradation of the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. Upon activation, an amber caution light indicating FADEC system degradation illuminated. The pilot in command requested a descent to flight level 340 from the Maiquetía Area Control Center. When satisfactory results were not obtained, a further descent to flight level 280 was requested to exit icing conditions. ## Diversion and Landing As the caution indication persisted, the pilot followed the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures, canceled the planned destination, and diverted to La Chinita International Airport in Maracaibo, Zulia State, the nearest suitable airport. The FADEC degradation caution light extinguished during descent between flight levels 220 and 200. The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew were unharmed. The aircraft retained the previously noted fault. ## Aircraft and Maintenance Information The aircraft was a land-based twin-engine turboprop with two rear-mounted turbines, classified as a transport-category aircraft under general aviation corporate use. It held a type certificate A1WI, Revision 32, issued by the FAA. At the time of the event, the aircraft was airworthy according to its valid airworthiness certificate issued by the state of registry and maintenance records on file. The last scheduled and preventive maintenance services were performed by Certified Maintenance Organization OMAC No. 116, AVIASERVICE, C.A., located at the Oscar Machado Zuloaga International Airport in Charallave. ## Pilot Qualifications The pilot in command was 47 years old and held a valid medical certificate and commercial pilot license issued by the aeronautical authority of the state of registry in accordance with current international regulations. The pilot's ratings included instrument flight, single-engine land, and captain/PIC ratings for the C550, C525, and BE20. ## Weather Conditions Meteorological conditions at the time of the event were instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), with unlimited visibility, light cloud cover, and calm winds. ## Investigation Activities The investigation included the following actions: 1. Copies of pilot documents were requested, including the license, medical certificate, flight plan, and logbooks. 2. Copies of operator documents for the aircraft were requested, including the registration certificate, airworthiness certificate, radio station license, insurance policy, and acoustic certification. 3. Copies of maintenance organization documents were requested from OMAC No. 116 AVIASERVICE, C.A., including the maintenance organization certificate, approved capability list, aircraft component control, maintenance records, and scheduled maintenance control. 4. The flight crew was interviewed. 5. The aircraft's QRH procedures were examined to verify that the pilot's actions were appropriate. 6. The aircraft was started to check whether the FADEC indicated any power degradation in either engine. No degradation was found in the turbines. ## Findings and Conclusion After reviewing the QRH and confirming through an engine start that the aircraft did not exhibit the indicated fault, it was determined that the pilot performed a preventive procedure. The investigation was closed based on these findings. ## Notifications In accordance with Chapter 4 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the event was reported through form MPPT-JIAA-F014 under case No. 047/2023 and reported to the ICAO ADREP system. The state of design and state of manufacture, the United States of America, were notified by email. All times in the report are given in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC); Venezuela's local time is UTC-4. The report was issued in Caracas on September 5, 2023.