On August 1, 2009 a mission operated 1976 Cessna U206 equipped with Monarch fiberglass tanks to replace the bladder tanks, and Flint tip tanks experienced a loss of engine power while conducting a low level photo flight over a slum area just outside the traffic pattern at home base. While gliding toward a forced landing, the aircraft struck a utility pole, the ground, and a building, catching on fire. The pilot and front seat passenger were fatally injured. The two photographers in the back received non-life threatening injuries. No mechanical discrepancies were found, and the fuel was not contaminated.

On October 22, 2009 a mission training operated 1977 Cessna U206 equipped with bladder tanks and Flint tip tanks experienced a loss of engine power while flying at gross weight over mountainous terrain. The aircraft struck trees and the ground, catching fire. The instructor and commercially rated trainee were fatally injured. No mechanical discrepancies were found, and the fuel was not contaminated.

Have you experienced, or are you aware of similar power losses in similar aircraft, even momentary?

We would like to hear from you if you have experienced even momentary power loss in Cessna 206 aircraft, especially if it was a normally aspirated one with bladder tanks. We would also like to hear from you if you have information that might be helpful in solving the mysteries as to the cause of these events.

Contact Jon Egeler at jegeler@msisafety.org or call 423-542-8892 or 423-502-9460 or Skype:  jonegeler