What happened
On January 10, 2004, at 11:52 UTC, a Piper PA-28R-201, registration D-EBAK, crashed into the Monte Serra massif in the Ruota area (Lucca) shortly after departing from Lucca Tassignano airport. The aircraft was operating a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Lucca to Salerno. Following a right-hand turn after takeoff from runway 10, the aircraft impacted the mountainous terrain, which is characterized by high-altitude trees, and caught fire upon impact. The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving the pilot and one passenger, and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the meteorological environment, and the pilot's flight history. Technical analysis of the Lycoming IO-360-C1C6 engine showed no signs of mechanical failure or malfunction prior to the crash; the engine components had been heavily damaged by the post-impact fire. Fuel analysis from the airport's supply tanks showed no contamination.
Regarding the flight environment, while visibility at Lucca Tassignano was reported at approximately 1600 meters—just above the 1500-meter VFR minimum—meteorological reports from nearby Pisa indicated much more critical conditions, including heavy fog and significantly reduced visibility. The pilot, who had approximately 450 flight hours and was highly familiar with this specific route, had previously flown this exact leg 11 times in the preceding year.
Findings
- The accident is classified as Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).
- Critical meteorological conditions, specifically heavy fog and very low visibility in the accident area, played a decisive role.
- The pilot's familiarity with the planned route may have led to a decision to continue the flight despite environmental conditions being incompatible with VFR requirements.
- A failure to adhere to VFR flight rules and a potential loss of situational awareness contributed to the impact with the terrain.