What happened
On June 12, 2010, a Bölkow Bo 209 Monsun, registration D-EBHG, was conducting a VFR flight from Losinj, Croatia, to Cannes Mandelieu, France. While traversing the Ligurian Apennines north of Savona, the aircraft struck the eastern slope of a mountain ridge near the municipality of Stella.
Shortly before the impact, the pilot established contact with Genova Approach, reporting adverse visibility conditions. At approximately 09:57 UTC, the pilot expressed the need to climb to escape the fog. While attempting to maneuver for better visibility, the aircraft impacted the terrain at an altitude of approximately 2,200 feet. The impact was followed by a post-crash fire that destroyed the aircraft. The two occupants, both of Austrian nationality, sustained fatal injuries during the collision.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined radar data, radio communications, and wreckage characteristics. Analysis of the radar tracks confirmed the aircraft's flight path and speed, establishing that the impact occurred while the pilot was navigating through irregular terrain. The investigation also reviewed meteorological reports, which indicated that the area was covered by low clouds and dense fog, with ground visibility reduced to approximately 50 to 100 meters.
Technical examination of the wreckage and engine components revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or structural malfunction prior to the impact. Furthermore, the investigation confirmed that the pilot's licenses and the aircraft's airworthiness documentation were valid at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was loss of situational awareness regarding the aircraft's position relative to the surrounding mountainous terrain.
- The pilot operated the aircraft in visibility conditions that were below the minimum requirements for VFR flight.
- Contributing factors included a potential lack of adequate terrain analysis during flight planning and the presence of heavy fog and low-level clouds in the area.
- The aircraft struck a ridge in an area where nearby peaks reach altitudes of up to 880 meters, while the aircraft was at approximately 672 meters.