What happened
On March 3, 2005, at approximately 14:25 UTC, a Cessna 340A, registration D-IMMA, crashed near the Bologna Borgo Panigale airport. The aircraft was operating a flight from Bologna to Lugo di Romagna with five occupants on board, all of whom were killed in the accident.
The aircraft had arrived at Bologna the previous evening and remained parked overnight in temperatures below 0°C. On the day of the accident, despite ongoing snowfall and freezing conditions, the pilot decided to proceed with the flight to Lugo di Romagna. The pilot declined additional airport services, specifically de-icing, and did not perform a visible cleaning of the wings or flight control surfaces.
During takeoff from runway 12, the aircraft experienced an unusually long ground roll. Witnesses observed that the plane struggled to climb, remaining only about two meters above the ground. The aircraft subsequently struck a guardrail and a perimeter fence before impacting a 12-meter-high embankment adjacent to a state highway. The impact caused the aircraft to collapse and catch fire, resulting in its total destruction.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, weight and balance data, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the event. Investigators analyzed the engine performance, finding that both engines were functioning correctly and delivering the required power at the time of the accident.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's decision-making process, noting that the pilot had opted for a more economical refueling strategy in Bologna and had bypassed de-icing services. Furthermore, the investigation scrutinized the aircraft's weight, finding that the Cessna 340A was likely operating in an overweight condition, with its mass exceeding the maximum takeoff weight (MTOM) and its center of gravity near the upper limits.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the formation of ice on the aircraft surfaces, which led to a significant deterioration of aerodynamic performance.
- This ice accumulation likely altered the wing profile and reduced the efficiency of the elevator, increasing the stall speed and causing an insufficient rate of climb.
- The pilot's decision to proceed without performing a thorough pre-flight inspection for ice accumulation or utilizing de-icing services was a major contributing factor.
- The aircraft was likely operating in an overweight condition, which further compromised takeoff performance.
- Adverse meteorological conditions, including freezing temperatures and snowfall, provided the environment for ice formation.