Accident Summary
On January 7, 2021, at approximately 16:12 UTC, a Cessna U206G (Soloy conversion), registration D-EVBE, was destroyed after impacting a masonry structure during final approach to Runway 21 at the Rinaura airstrip near Siracusa, Italy. The flight was the seventh takeoff of the day for non-commercial parachute jump operations. The pilot reported being uninjured, while the passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft struck olive trees before hitting the structure, which was used as a tool shed and stood about two meters high, located roughly 80 meters from the runway threshold.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Cessna U206G (serial number U206-06381) was built in 1981 and powered by an Allison 250-C20S turboprop engine. Its maximum takeoff weight was 1,633 kg; at the time of the accident, the estimated weight was approximately 1,150 kg. The aircraft had accumulated about 9,590 total flight hours. Maintenance documentation was found to be in order.
The pilot, a 50-year-old German national, held a Private Pilot License (PPL) issued by German authorities, with valid ratings for PC-6 SET, Cessna SET, and SEP (land). He had a valid Class 2 medical certificate and logged approximately 3,900 flight hours and 7,600 landings. He had previously conducted parachute operations at Rinaura in both the Cessna U206G and a Pilatus PC-6, having resumed that activity on the day of the accident after a pause since December 13, 2020.
Location and Weather
The Rinaura airstrip features a single asphalt runway, 03/21, measuring 400 meters in length and 20 meters in width. Runway 21 has a slight downhill slope. The accident occurred on short final for Runway 21, a few meters northeast of the threshold. An olive grove lies along the approach, and the masonry structure was located approximately 80 meters from the threshold.
Weather conditions at the time included typical dusk lighting: the sun had set at 16:00 UTC, with a twilight duration of 29 minutes. The routine weather report (METAR) from Cozzo Spadaro (about 22 nautical miles south) at 16:55 UTC indicated wind from 200 degrees at 5 knots, CAVOK with broken clouds at 8,000 feet, temperature 16 °C, and QNH 1011.
Sequence of Events (Pilot Report)
According to the pilot’s testimony, this was the seventh takeoff of the day. The wind initially came from the southwest at 15 knots or more, later decreasing slightly and shifting to a northerly direction, accompanied by increased turbulence and gusts on final. The flight departed from Runway 21, climbing to 4,000 meters to drop four parachutists. A passenger (also a pilot) was on board to record video. After the drop, the pilot initiated a descent with a right turn to position for final approach to Runway 21, aiming to reach an altitude of about 2,000 feet at a distance from the airstrip. The rest of the pilot account was not available in the report.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was oriented approximately 230 degrees in a nose-down attitude. The right wing rested on the remains of the masonry structure, while the left wing was against a tree trunk. The propeller blades showed impact deformation consistent with engine power and rotation, and the pitch was at the minimum setting. The three-blade propeller was intact in its hub. Both flaps were in the lowered position, and the ailerons were attached. The left wing was heavily deformed in its outer quarter; the right wing showed damage along the leading edge and outer portion. The left main landing gear leg was torn from its root, while the right main gear remained attached with a piece of olive tree trunk embedded near the fuselage. The fuselage was less damaged on the left (pilot) side but heavily damaged on the right (passenger) side. The tail section was severed near the vertical stabilizer root and folded under the fuselage. The left horizontal stabilizer and elevator were missing their outer portions; these components were found on the ground near the first impacted olive tree. The cockpit instruments yielded no useful data. The throttle was found in the full-forward position. The aircraft was configured for solo piloting from the left seat; the right seat was replaced by a bench where the passenger sat facing aft. No fixed ELT was installed, and the portable ELT holder did not contain a unit.