Abstract: Small hydropower plants located at dams are frequently used for power generation in the Czech Republic, where, the advantage of the availability of both pressure head and environmental outflow are exploited for this purpose. The performance of hydropower plants is significantly influenced by the dependability and service life of installed technical equipment. This study presents the results of dependability analysis based on the analysis of defects and failures affecting two turbines (Francis, crossflowBanki) installed on the bypass of the bottom outlets of the Sance Dam in the Czech Republic. Firstly, the quantifiers of dependability are introduced and shutdowns are defined. Empirical probability distribution curves for time to shutdown and shutdown duration are plotted for both turbine generator units based on available records of incidents and reasons for individual shutdowns from 10 years of operation. The analysis was conducted separately for each turbine generator unit and shows the average periods between shutdowns, and their duration. Period length probabilities for both periods between shutdowns and the durations of shutdowns were also evaluated.