Flight History
On 2 March 2005, the Cessna 340A, registered D-IMMA, arrived at Bologna Borgo Panigale Airport (LIPE) from Lugo di Romagna (LIDG) at approximately 17:20 UTC. On board were the pilot, copilot, and two passengers. The pilot had requested priority landing due to low fuel, later stating that the request was also made to avoid a prolonged holding pattern imposed by air traffic control and to reduce associated costs. That evening, the aircraft was refueled with 389 liters of AVGAS 100 LL. Overnight temperatures remained below 0°C.
On 3 March 2005, the planned flight to Lugano was canceled due to adverse weather in northern Italy. The pilot, who was the son of the aircraft owner, decided to return to the aircraft's home base at Lugo di Romagna, where conditions were better.
Refueling and Preparation
At approximately 13:30 UTC, the pilot refueled the aircraft with an additional 149 liters of AVGAS 100 LL, mentioning to a witness that fuel was cheaper in Bologna than at Forlì or Lugo di Romagna. The pilot then requested a follow-me vehicle to move the aircraft from the refueling station to its parking position. He filed an IFR flight plan to Forlì but completed a DUV (document) with destination Lugo di Romagna, indicating five persons on board: pilot, copilot, and three passengers.
Despite continuous snowfall since morning, with heavier precipitation in the preceding two hours, the pilot declined de-icing services, paying only airport and handling fees.
Boarding and Takeoff
After about an hour waiting for the last passenger, the occupants were transported to the aircraft by airport shuttle. All boarded promptly except the copilot, who walked toward the nose, presumably for a pre-flight inspection. No one was observed removing snow or ice from the wings or fuselage, either manually or with fluids.
According to ground radar and radio communications, the aircraft began taxiing at about 7 knots, entering Runway 12 via Taxiway B, leaving a remaining runway length of 2,400 meters. Takeoff commenced at 16:26 UTC. The aircraft accelerated to 107 knots at mid-runway and was at a speed of 1— (source incomplete) at the end of the runway.
Fatalities and Damage
All five occupants died as a result of the accident. The aircraft sustained damage consistent with the impact. No other injuries or damage were reported on the ground.