What happened
On January 16, 2019, at approximately 12:30 LT, an Italian-registered Sonerai IILT ultra-light aircraft, registration I-A4/68, crashed into the Gulf of Patras. The flight originated from Messolonghi Landing Field, intended as a local circuit between Messolonghi and Rio.
After departing Messolonghi at 12:15 LT, the pilot communicated with Araxos and Andravida air traffic services, reporting altitudes of 1,000 ft and 1,500 ft. Shortly thereafter, an eyewitness on the coast of Kryoneri observed the aircraft strike the sea violently. The impact caused the right wing to detach from the fuselage. The aircraft briefly remained buoyant before sinking. Despite extensive search and rescue efforts involving the Coast Guard, Navy, and private divers, the pilot was not located until the following day, found at a depth of approximately 38.5 meters.
The investigation
The investigation examined the airworthiness of the aircraft, the pilot's credentials, and the mechanical condition of the wreckage. The aircraft was a home-built model with extensive maintenance records maintained by the pilot, who was a retired Hellenic Air Force officer specializing in aircraft engineering.
Investigators analyzed the wreckage, finding that the flight controls, including the rudder cables and elevator connections, were in good working order. While the right wing suffered significant deformation and the aileron was lost, the damage was consistent with a high-velocity impact with the water rather than a mechanical failure. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were reported as good (CAVOK). Forensic examination determined that the pilot's death was caused by drowning and ruled out the influence of illicit substances or pathological conditions.
Findings
- The aircraft was airworthy and all required documentation and maintenance records were in order.
- The engine was functioning normally at the time of impact, as noted by eyewitness testimony and the lack of smoke prior to the crash.
- There was no evidence of an attempt to ditch the aircraft; the impact characteristics suggested an uncontrollable loss of control.
- The pilot possessed extensive experience in aircraft maintenance but had limited flight experience, with only 17.5 hours of flight time as a pilot in command.
- The high-performance, acrobatic nature of the Sonerai IILT likely contributed to the accident if an unauthorized or improper maneuver was attempted.