Summary
On 7 June 2023, a Cessna 207A aircraft, registration TC-SHF, operated by Skydive Cappadocia Havacılık Sanayi Tic.Ltd.Şti. and owned by Pelikan Havacılık Org.Tur.Rek.Taş.ve Tic.Ltd.Şti., was conducting a navigation flight from Istanbul Atatürk Airport (LTBA) to Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (LTAZ). At approximately 18 nautical miles from the destination, at an altitude of 4500 feet, the engine stopped. After an unsuccessful restart attempt, the crew performed a forced landing in a plowed field in Aksaray Province, Ortaköy District. The landing roll ended with the nose wheel sinking into soft ground, causing the aircraft to pitch forward and overturn. There were no injuries to the two pilots or any third parties. The aircraft was heavily damaged.
Flight History
The flight departed LTBA at 07:15 UTC. The flight plan indicated a VFR navigation flight with Bursa Yenişehir Airport (LTBR) as alternate. Fuel on board was stated as 5 hours for a planned 2 hours 50 minutes flight. The crew consisted of two pilots: the pilot in command held a CPL(A) with SEP(land) and IR/SE ratings, and a total flight time of 3592:05 hours; the other pilot held a PPL(A) with SEP(land) rating and 100:00 hours total time. Both held valid Class 1 medical certificates, with the pilot in command having a restriction for near vision (VNL). The flight proceeded normally until approximately 18 NM from LTAZ. At 4500 feet, the engine stopped. The crew attempted to restart the engine, which ran briefly and then stopped again. They notified Kapadokya Tower of their intention to make an emergency landing. A suitable plowed field was selected.
Forced Landing and Nose-Over
The aircraft was landed with 10 degrees of flap due to its weight and rapid descent. The landing was initially successful, but after rolling approximately 80–90 meters, the soft soil caused the nose wheel to sink. This resulted in the tail lifting and the aircraft performing a forward flip before coming to rest. The aircraft came to a stop in the field.
Damage
Post-accident inspection revealed heavy damage to the aircraft: the fuselage was crushed and twisted in various areas, the tail section was damaged, cockpit windows were broken, the right wing and flap were crushed, and the nose landing gear sustained multiple damages. No damage to third-party property occurred.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Ulaşım Emniyeti İnceleme Merkezi Başkanlığı (Transport Safety Investigation Center) under the relevant regulations. The report did not state a probable cause.