Incident Overview
On 27 June 2024, a Tecnam P2008 JC aircraft with registration TC-UCM, operated by Plus İstanbul Uçuş Akademisi Tic. A.Ş., experienced an engine failure during a training flight. The aircraft had departed from THK Selçuk Havaalanı (LTFB) and was en route when the engine began to shake severely and subsequently stopped. The pilot contacted Aydın Çıldır Havaalanı (LTBD) and requested permission for a forced landing, which was executed without damage to the aircraft. No injuries were reported among the sole occupant, a student pilot.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, a Tecnam P2008 JC (serial number 1188, manufactured in 2020), was owned by MSS Mühendislik İnşaat Havacılık San. Tic. A.Ş. and operated by Plus İstanbul Uçuş Akademisi. It was powered by a Rotax 912 S2-01 engine (serial number 100004555) with a total flight time of 631.4 hours. The student pilot held a SP(A) license, had 42.45 total flight hours, and possessed a valid health certificate with a VDL restriction (corrective lenses and spare glasses required).
Maintenance History
Maintenance for TC-UCM was managed by 3 M Havacılık Limited Şirketi, an approved continuing airworthiness management organization, and performed by ER-AH Havacılık Ticaret Ltd. Şti. under a maintenance contract. The aircraft followed a manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule (A through E checks). The most recent maintenance, a 50-100 hour airframe/propeller check and a 100-200 hour engine check, was completed on 22 June 2023 (work order 3M-UCM-24.24) with a maintenance release certificate (ERAH 3447). Review of maintenance records showed no overdue items, and all applicable airworthiness directives and service bulletins had been complied with.
Engine Examination
Post-incident inspection revealed damage to the intake valve of cylinder number 2. The engine, a Rotax 912 S2-01 (serial number 100004555), which had been newly installed per EASA Form 1 (B24/008), was found to be damaged. The aircraft itself sustained no structural damage. The damage classification was assessed as "damage-free" under relevant regulations, as the aircraft remained intact.
Findings and Analysis
The investigation team noted that the engine failure occurred during a training flight, approximately 45 minutes after takeoff. The engine experienced excessive vibration followed by a complete stoppage. The aircraft was diverted to Aydın Çıldır Havaalanı, where a successful forced landing was carried out. The team identified that the intake valve failure in cylinder 2 was the direct cause of the engine failure. No other contributing factors were identified in the report, though the team remarked on the importance of adhering to manufacturer recommendations during oil changes.
Conclusion
The forced landing was necessitated by an engine failure resulting from a damaged intake valve in cylinder 2. The aircraft landed without further incident, and no injuries or additional damage occurred.