Venezuelan Cessna U206F Emergency Landing Near La Paragua Aerodrome (YV1154)

Overview and Investigation Context The Venezuelan civil aviation accident investigation board (JIAAC) issued its final report in September 2024 for case file 054/2023. The investigation examined the circumstances, causes, and consequences of an accident involving a general-aviation Cessna Aircraft Company U206F, registration YV1154, serial U20602132. The report states that the sole objective of the investigation is the prevention of future accidents and incidents, not the determination of fault or liability. ## Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 14 September 2023, the aircraft departed the indigenous community of Parupita in Bolívar State, Venezuela, bound for La Paragua Aerodrome (SVGA). One person, the pilot, was on board. The estimated route time was 37 minutes, with a stated endurance of 2 hours 18 minutes and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,633 kg. During the final approach, the pilot turned to align with the runway threshold and reduced engine power. The engine then began to lose fuel supply until the tank level fell below the required amount, causing the engine to stop. The pilot immediately switched to the other fuel tank, but the aircraft was already at low speed and low altitude, making a restart impossible. The pilot elected to make an emergency landing in an area approximately 200 meters from the destination aerodrome. ## Outcome and Damage The pilot landed the aircraft successfully. The sole occupant was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including damage to the propeller blades, a twist and wrinkle in the left wing, and separation of the nose gear from its fuselage anchor. The aircraft was not equipped with flight recorders. ## Probable Cause The JIAAC determined in the first instance that the probable cause of the accident was inadequate management of the fuel system configuration during the operation.