What happened
On April 2, 2011, a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4, registration D-FATA, was conducting a series of skydiving flights at Ravenna Airport. During the seventh flight of the day, the aircraft experienced a propulsion system malfunction immediately after departing from runway 08.
As the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 50 feet, it entered a left-hand turn and began a progressive loss of altitude. After completing a turn of roughly 160 degrees, the aircraft impacted a cultivated field approximately 380 meters north of the aerodrome. There were 11 people on board, including the pilot, one passenger, and nine skydivers. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and caused multiple injuries, some of which were serious. No third-party injuries were reported.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on several technical and operational aspects. Laboratory analyses of fuel samples taken from both the aircraft and the airport's fueling station showed no evidence of contamination. Similarly, analysis of the engine oil yielded no findings of contamination.
The investigation also examined the pilot's GPS unit; however, no flight data could be retrieved because the recording function had not been activated. While radar tracks and radio communications were reviewed, they provided no significant clues regarding the cause of the accident. The engine and its accessories were seized by judicial authorities and were scheduled for examination by the manufacturer.
Findings
- The investigation is currently focusing on the human factor, specifically the pilot's decision-making process following the engine malfunction.
- The technical performance of the powerplant is under scrutiny.
- The safety procedures utilized by the local skydiving center are being evaluated.