Preliminary Report: Ecuadorian Caravan loses power

Cessna 208 Caravan, Cuenca, Ecuador, March 24, 2006–An Ecuadorian-registered Cessna Caravan, operated by Atesa Aero Taxis Ecuatorianos, lost power and crashed on departure from Cuenca Airport in VMC. The airplane was substantially damaged and five passengers were killed. The commercial pilot, the ATP-rated copilot and seven passengers were seriously injured. The crew reported that the takeoff had been normal but they heard a noise when the aircraft reached about 300 feet agl at the end of the runway. The airplane lost power and had a high engine ITT. The airplane hit the roof of a factory building. Ecuadorian Direccion General de Aviacion Civil is investigating the accident.