Accident Overview
On 11 September 2018 at 16:08 UTC (18:08 local time), a Tecnam P92 Echo S, registered as I-6430, departed from runway 03 at Calatabiano airfield in Sicily, Italy. Shortly after takeoff, the engine failed. The aircraft then initiated a right turn, followed by a loss of control, and impacted the ground a short distance from the airfield boundary. The pilot, the only person on board, died on impact. The aircraft was destroyed. No other damage occurred.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Tecnam P92 Echo S is a two-seat, high-wing, single-engine aircraft with a fixed tricycle landing gear. It is classified as a VDS (Volo da Diporto o Sportivo) aircraft, meaning it is not type-certified. The accident aircraft was powered by a BRP-Rotax 912 ULS engine producing 100 hp. Fuel capacity was 90 liters, distributed in two wing tanks of 45 liters each. Maximum takeoff weight was 450 kg, and empty weight was 289 kg.
The pilot was a 48-year-old female Italian national, holding a valid VDS pilot license and a medical certificate with the restriction to wear corrective lenses. She had accumulated approximately 147 flight hours, mostly on the accident aircraft type from Calatabiano airfield. Her training began in January 2008, and she became a solo pilot in January 2009. Her last recorded flight before the accident was on 27 July 2018, lasting 25 minutes.
Investigation
The Italian National Flight Safety Agency (ANSV) opened a safety investigation. The Austrian Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Authority was notified as the state of engine manufacture and accredited a representative. The investigation included an examination of the engine and related systems, but the detailed findings are not yet public.