Introduction
On 5 July 2009, a Piper PA-18-150 aircraft, registration D-ELHP, was involved in a fatal accident near the town of Dro in Trentino, northern Italy. The crash occurred at approximately 12:00 UTC (14:00 local time) and resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of its two occupants.
Flight History
The aircraft departed Trento Mattarello Airport at 08:58 UTC, following two vintage Caproni Ca.100 aircraft (I-CAMM and I-CAMV) bound for an airshow at Lake Cavedine, near the locality of Trebi. The PA-18 initially flew in formation with the Capronis, serving as a potential camera platform. After the flyby, D-ELHP separated and landed at Monte Casale airstrip. The two pilots, having consumed lunch, departed again around 11:30 UTC.
Shortly before the accident, the pilot occupying the rear seat radioed the airshow operator on 130.00 MHz, stating, "I'm coming slowly from Arco for a flyover." The operator acknowledged and requested a report once the lake was in sight. Witnesses reported that the aircraft then initiated a steep left turn while approaching from the south over the city of Arco. The turn became more pronounced, and the aircraft suddenly pitched down in a dive, striking trees near a location known as "Sass del Diaol" north of Dro. It impacted the ground violently.
Aircraft and Personnel
The aircraft was a Piper PA-18-150, a single-engine, high-wing monoplane with tandem seating and fixed landing gear. It was built in 1956, powered by a Lycoming O-320-A2B engine (150 hp), and had a maximum takeoff mass of 794 kg. The pilot in the front seat was a 77-year-old Italian male with a valid Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and approximately 990 hours total flight time. The pilot in the rear seat was an 81-year-old Italian male, also holding a valid PPL, with approximately 3150 hours total flight time. Both had valid medical certificates and SEP (land) ratings.
Impact and Aftermath
The aircraft was completely destroyed on impact. No injuries or damage occurred to persons or property on the ground. The Italian ANSV investigated the accident, but the probable cause was not specified in the initial findings.