What happened
On December 21, 2013, a Cessna TU206G, registration YV1490, operated by Transporte Amazonair, C.A., was performing a commercial flight departing from La Paragua aerodrome (SVGA) in Bolívar state. Approximately seven minutes into the initial climb phase, the pilot noticed a strong burning odor and smoke entering the cabin.
The pilot initiated emergency procedures, opening the windows to mitigate smoke inhalation, and began an immediate return to the departure airfield. Shortly after, flames became visible on the right side of the aircraft and began entering the cockpit through the pedal area. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft by lowering the nose and utilized the onboard fire extinguisher to suppress the flames. The aircraft successfully landed at La Paragua, and the crew and passenger evacuated the aircraft following engine shutdown. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGPIAAE examined the aircraft's condition and maintenance history. The aircraft, a 1979 model with 5,439.5 total airframe hours, had undergone its last 100-hour inspection in July 2012. The investigation focused on the origin of the smoke and fire within the engine compartment and cockpit area.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained considerable damage to the engine cowlings, the lower portion of the firewall, the lower right side of the cabin area, and the lower cargo compartment.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable for VFR flight, which assisted the pilot in performing emergency maneuvers.
- The most probable cause of the incident was a structural failure of exhaust gas flow control components due to thermal stress, which led to the release of a spring-loaded piston and subsequent engine oil leakage onto the hot exhaust nozzle, igniting the fire.