Accident
On a firefighting mission in the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park, the crew of CAN19 departed Pescara-Liberi Airport at 1719LT. While approaching the area under fire, the aircraft initiated a slight turn to the right. It then collided with the top of a hill and disintegrated, bursting into flames. The wreckage was located at an altitude of 1,155 meters near Acciano.
Injuries
The captain was killed in the accident, while the copilot sustained serious injuries.
Investigation
The investigation determined that while it was not possible to define with certainty why the aircraft impacted the ground, it was considered reasonable that the impact resulted from improper management of the manoeuvre by the crew, due to an inadequate assessment of the flight altitude relative to the hilltop, compounded by critical environmental conditions. These conditions included strong turbulence, strong wind, and visibility affected by smoke. The probable cause was attributed to a combination of human and environmental factors.