What happened
On July 10, 2015, a Cessna 172SP, registration D-EGTB, was conducting a VFR flight from Marina di Campo to Salerno. During the flight near the RAVAL waypoint, the pilot observed an unusual drop in fuel levels. Fearing a fuel leak, the pilot diverted toward the coastline to find a suitable landing site.
Shortly after this diversion, the aircraft suffered a total electrical failure, which disabled all radio communications and the transponder. Using the "nearest" function on a portable GPS, the pilot identified Rome Fiumicino (LIRF) as the closest airport. Despite the fact that this type of traffic is not typically authorized to operate at such a major international hub, the pilot proceeded to land.
At the time of the event, Runway 25 at Fiumicino was closed to traffic due to a NOTAM. The pilot performed a wide left downwind approach for Runway 25. During the final approach, the aircraft flew directly over a surface vehicle (SAR 10) that was inspecting the runway. The aircraft landed on the closed runway at approximately 15:30 UTC. The aircraft was subsequently towed to a parking area and returned to Germany four days later after repairs to the battery.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the flight's technical failures, the pilot's decision-making, and the air traffic services (ATS) response. Investigators reviewed radar plots, radio communications, and interviews with the pilot and Flight Information Center (FIC) operators.
Technical analysis confirmed that the electrical failure was caused by the depletion of the battery, likely due to a failure of the alternator to charge the battery after engine start. The investigation also reviewed the communications between the aircraft and Roma FIC, noting that the pilot had been unable to establish contact due to the electrical failure. Furthermore, the investigation looked into why the Fiumicino Tower (TWR) did not detect the aircraft until it had already landed, and why the FIC did not activate the INCERFA (uncertainty) phase despite the loss of contact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the event was attributed to inadequate flight planning by the pilot, specifically regarding situational awareness of the airspace and the lack of pre-identified emergency landing sites compatible with a Cessna 172.
- The pilot's failure to perform regular onboard checks may have prevented the early detection of the battery charging issue.
- The pilot's decision-making was influenced by high operational stress caused by the simultaneous management of fuel and electrical emergencies.
- The FIC failed to maintain adequate situational awareness, as the lack of radio contact with D-EGTB did not trigger the activation of the INCERFA phase.
- The Fiumicino Tower did not observe the aircraft during the approach because the aircraft's white color made it difficult to see, it approached from behind the tower, and the tower's attention was focused on the runway inspection vehicle.