Cessna 206 emergency procedures

The purpose of this letter is to provide a response to the ATSB regarding Textron Aviation’s review of Safety Recommendation AO-2020-110-SR-017.

Background: 

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that Textron Aviation (Cessna) take safety action to address the procedure for ditching and forced landings in the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) to ensure pilots are aware that extending the flaps beyond 10o will significantly restrict emergency egress via the cargo door.

Investigation Findings and Corrective Action:

Textron Aviation has reviewed Safety Recommendation A0-2020-110-SR-017 provided by the ATSB. We have reviewed the information and concur with the recommendation to add additional guidance for operators. Temporary Revisions (TR) are being developed for Cessna Model 206 airplanes to include the following warning for forced landing and ditching: WARNING FLAPS 10° OR GREATER MAY IMPEDE EVACUATION FROM THE CARGO DOOR.

The ATSB recognises the acceptance of the recommendation by Textron Aviation and considers that when published this warning will address the safety concern. The ATSB will continue to monitor the issue until the procedures are amended.

Textron Aviation has released a temporary revision to be added to the Cessna model 206H Pilot operating handbook and flight manual which will add a warning in Section 3, emergency procedures, forced landings, ditching. The warning states 'Flap 10° or greater may impede evacuation from the cargo door'. This will be incorporated into the manuals at the next revision.

The ATSB acknowledges that Textron has taken action in relation to the aircraft which were manufactured after the Cessna 206 production was restarted and have an electronic pilot's operating handbook and FAA approved airplane flight manual.

However, it is also noted that this action does not apply to older aircraft. The ATSB therefore encourages Textron to continue to work on a solution to fully address this issue for all 206 models.

Textron Aviation has released Service Bulletin SEB-11-05 on 25 November 2024. This is a mandatory service bulletin to be complied with at the next 100-hourly/annual inspection or within 12 calendar months. The service bulleting requires the installation of a placard on the cockpit panel or another location directly visible to the pilot while seated. The placard reads ‘Warning Flap positions of 10 degrees or greater may impede evacuation from the cargo door. Failure to adhere to all safety instructions can result in bodily injury or death’.

Textron Aviation has provided evidence that it has released a warning in the pilot operating handbook of Cessna 206 H models and has released a mandated service bulletin for older Cessna 206 models providing a warning that the extension of Flap 10˚ or more will impede emergency evacuation from the aircraft. Therefore, the ATSB is satisfied, that the safety issue has been adequately addressed.