What happened
On January 7, 2021, a Cessna U206G (registration D-EVBE) was performing its seventh flight of the day for parachute deployment operations near the Rinaura airfield in Syracuse, Italy. During the final approach to runway 21, the aircraft struck a grove of olive trees and subsequently collided with a masonry tool shed located approximately 80 meters from the runway threshold. The impact destroyed the aircraft. While the pilot escaped without injury, the passenger sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the flight sequence, environmental conditions, and the pilot's maneuvers. The aircraft was utilizing a short-field landing technique, which involves configuring the aircraft with full flaps and reducing engine power to flight idle to facilitate a quick stop on the relatively short 400-meter runway. Evidence from GoPro footage and GPS data recorded by the passenger indicated an unstabilized approach, characterized by high ground speeds and a low descent profile. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, which were found to be in order, and the pilot's extensive flight experience.