History of the Flight
On 8 April 2004, at approximately 13:30 UTC, the Agusta A109E helicopter, registration I-SCTA, departed from Milan Linate Airport bound for Somma Lombarda, landing at 13:45. After a local flight for an annual proficiency check, the helicopter landed at Vergiate Airport. The crew consisted of a Type Rating Instructor/Examiner (TRI/TRE) aged 54, occupying the co-pilot seat, and a pilot aged 42, both holding valid Airline Transport Pilot Licenses for helicopters.
The planned check included an IFR portion with ILS approaches and an emergency procedures portion. After completing the IFR checks at Venegono Airport, the crew proceeded to Vergiate for the emergency simulations. Several simulations were performed: dual engine failure in ground effect, hydraulic system no. 1 failure with landing, single engine failure before and after takeoff decision point (TDP), and single engine failure from a pad before TDP.
Accident Sequence
During the final maneuver, the pilot positioned the helicopter in ground effect and initiated a climb. Before reaching TDP, the examiner simulated a single engine failure by de-selecting one engine in training mode. The pilot executed the emergency procedure for engine failure in that phase. The helicopter began to descend with a single operating engine, and the rate of descent increased as it approached the ground. Despite corrective action by the pilots—increasing collective pitch—the helicopter continued to sink and impacted the ground. After impact, the helicopter slid approximately 20 meters along the runway. The examiner attempted to keep the helicopter level, and the pilot shut down both engines via the PMS switches. The pilots then performed post-flight checks and exited the helicopter unharmed.
Airport fire and medical services responded promptly. The airport was closed for inspection and removal of the helicopter, reopening at approximately 17:30 local time.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The helicopter, an Agusta A109E "Power" (serial number 11201), was manufactured in 2002 and operated by Avionord s.r.l. It had accumulated 252 hours and 40 minutes of flight time. The aircraft was properly certified and maintained. Both pilots held valid medical certificates.
Investigation
The Italian National Flight Safety Agency (ANSV) conducted the investigation. The analysis examined the phenomenon of slow descent and vortex ring state in relation to the accident. No injuries or damage to other property occurred.