Aircraft loss during firefighting mission on Lake Fanaco

1 fatality • Lake Fanaco, Italy • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft engaged in firefighting operations sank in Lake Fanaco following a hard landing, resulting in one fatality and one injury.

What happened

During a mission intended for aerial firefighting, an aircraft was performing maneuvers near Lake Fanaco. The crew was preparing to land on the water's surface to execute a scooping procedure, a technique used to collect water for fire suppression. During this approach, the aircraft experienced a heavy impact with the water. This forceful landing caused the structural integrity of the hull to fail, leading to a rupture.

Following the breach in the hull, the aircraft submerged and was subsequently lost. The incident resulted in one fatality and one injury among the crew members on board.

Findings

While the specific reason for the impact remains undetermined, the primary factor in the loss of the aircraft was the hard landing which led to the hull rupture and subsequent sinking.

Probable cause

The aircraft's hull ruptured due to a heavy impact during a water landing maneuver, causing it to sink.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-07-30 Canadair CL-215 accident near Lake Fanaco, Italy?

An aircraft engaged in firefighting operations sank in Lake Fanaco following a hard landing, resulting in one fatality and one injury.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-07-30 Canadair CL-215 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-07-30 involved a Canadair CL-215, registration I-CFSU, operated by Socièta Italiana Servizi Aerei Mediterranei - SISAM, at Lake Fanaco, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's hull ruptured due to a heavy impact during a water landing maneuver, causing it to sink.

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