What happened
During a test flight conducted in the vicinity of Rome-Fiumicino Airport, the aircraft was carrying a total of seven people, consisting of one passenger and six crew members. While operating in the area surrounding the airfield, an engine on the airframe ignited. In response to this emergency, the pilot decided to execute an immediate landing rather than attempting to return to the runway or divert elsewhere.
The aircraft touched down without its landing gear extended, resulting in a belly landing in a field situated in Ponte Galeria, which is located east of the main airport. Upon impact, the airframe came to rest and was subsequently consumed by flames. Despite the destruction of the vehicle, all seven occupants were reported to be unhurt following the incident.
Findings
The official investigation identified the ignition of an engine as the primary factor leading to the emergency situation. The fire necessitated the immediate abort of the test flight and the subsequent uncontrolled landing in the adjacent field.