Incident Overview
On July 16, 2006, at approximately 16:56 UTC, a Piper PA-46-310P "Malibu" with registration D-EJMV crashed shortly after takeoff from Marina di Campo Airport on the Island of Elba, Italy. The aircraft was operating a tourist flight to Vilshofen, Germany, carrying one pilot and four passengers. All five individuals on board perished; three died at the scene, one died in hospital, and the fourth succumbed to injuries the following day.
Operational Context
The aircraft began its takeoff roll on Runway 34. During the rollout, the Aerodrome Flight Information Unit (AFIU) reported via radio that the aircraft was emitting significant smoke, but no response was received from the cockpit. After liftoff, the aircraft initially turned right in accordance with the visual takeoff chart for obstacle clearance but subsequently deviated to the left, descending into a private vineyard near the locality of Le Solane.
Aircraft and Engine Analysis
The 1987-built aircraft (S/N 46-08085) had accumulated 1,001 flight hours. Post-accident examination of the Teledyne Continental Motors TSIO-550-C engine revealed that the turbocompressor turbines were functioning at the time of impact. Although two compressor wheel fixing nuts were found loose and the wheels locked, testing confirmed this damage resulted from the ground impact reaction rather than a pre-existing mechanical failure. No evidence of in-flight fire or oil leaks was found.
Cockpit Findings
Flight controls indicated the flaps were retracted and all three throttle levers (throttle, propeller, mixture) were set for takeoff. The landing gear was retracted. A Garmin GPSMAP 196 unit was recovered, providing data on the flight path. The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence but had a medical limitation requiring corrective lenses.