2002 Robin DR 400-180R accident in Borgo San Lorenzo (D-EFOV)

Incident Overview and Investigation Scope On 3 May 2002, a Robin DR 400-180R with registration D-EFOV crashed in the municipality of Borgo San Lorenzo, in the province of Florence, Italy. The accident occurred at approximately 13:39 UTC (15:39 local time) between the localities of Giogo and Olmo. The Italian National Agency for the Safety of Flight (ANSV) conducted the technical investigation in accordance with Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention and Italian legislation, with the sole objective of preventing accidents and excluding any assessment of fault or liability. ## Flight History and Weather Conditions The aircraft departed Venice San Nicolò Airport at 12:28 UTC on 3 May 2002, operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with a destination of Florence Peretola Airport. The flight plan included overflying the city of Chioggia and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. At the time of the incident, a widespread atmospheric disturbance characterized by strong thunderstorms, low clouds over the Apennine mountains, and possible icing at altitude was present over central Italy. The TAF for Florence Peretola between 12:00 and 21:00 UTC reported a wind of 7 knots, visibility of 3,000 meters, rain, and over 50% cloud cover at 2,000 feet. At the time of the accident, reported conditions included a wind of 3 knots, visibility of 4,000 meters, rain, mist, and a temperature of 17°C. It is presumed that conditions in the mountainous accident area were worse than those reported for the airport. ## Search, Recovery, and Damage ANSV was informed of the event on the day of the accident. Search operations were initiated the same day by the Carabinieri and mountain rescue personnel, using dog units and helicopters. However, poor weather conditions in the area prevented the timely location of the wreckage and occupants. On 5 May 2002, following an improvement in weather, the wreckage was located at geographic coordinates 43°52'40'' North and 11°23'20'' East, at an altitude of approximately 800 meters (2,624 feet), near the ridge between Monte Caldana and Monte Giovi. The aircraft was found completely burned, and the bodies of the two occupants were carbonized. ## Occupants and Aircraft The aircraft was carrying two persons: a pilot and a passenger, both of German nationality. Both occupants died in the accident. The aircraft was completely destroyed. On 6 May 2002, the ANSV investigator, assisted by the Carabinieri of Borgo San Lorenzo, conducted an operational inspection of the accident site.