What happened
On August 12, 2017, an Alexander Schleicher ASW 27 glider, registration D-9977, was performing a familiarization flight near Rieti airport. During the final approach to runway 34, the glider's wing struck a chimney on a building roof at an altitude of approximately 15 meters. The impact caused the aircraft to crash into a ground-floor window of a nearby military building. The pilot sustained a fractured leg.
On June 17, 2019, a Piper Aircraft PA-30, registration I-NASA, experienced engine failures during a flight from Corte to Terni. The left engine failed first, prompting an emergency declaration and a diversion to Naples Capodichino. During the approach, the right engine also failed after the pilot switched to the right main fuel tank. The pilot managed to restart the right engine by switching to the auxiliary tank, and the aircraft landed safely.
On March 24, 2019, a Kubicek Balloons BB51Z, registration I-CRAM, was operating a tourist flight near Matera. Upon encountering turbulent wind conditions during the initial climb, the pilot decided to perform an immediate landing. The landing was heavy, causing the basket to bounce several times. The impact resulted in multiple injuries, including various traumas and fractures among the passengers.
The investigation
The ANSV examined the glider accident using pilot testimony and data from the onboard flight logger. For the Piper Aircraft PA-30, investigators performed an operational inspection, discovering that the control levers for the fuel selector valves were disconnected or improperly secured. They also found that the pilot had been relying on a digital fuel flow meter rather than primary instrumentation. For the hot air balloon, a desk investigation confirmed that the aircraft sustained no structural damage following the heavy landing.
Findings
- The ASW 27 crash was caused by inadequate management of the approach trajectory, exacerbated by the pilot's distraction and limited experience with the specific aircraft type.
- The PA-30 engine failures were attributed to two factors: improper maintenance on the left selector valve (which led to fuel starvation) and the pilot's failure to follow manual procedures regarding fuel management on the right engine.
- The BB51Z injuries were caused by an improper landing maneuver involving excessive descent speed, contributed to by turbulent weather conditions.