Introduction
On 26 August 2000, at approximately 16:30 UTC (18:30 local time), an accident occurred at Pavullo nel Frignano, Italy, involving a Robin DR 400/200R aircraft, registration F-OIPA, while towing an ASK 21 glider, registration D-9490. The tow aircraft was operated by the Aero Club Pavullo.
Flight Sequence
The flight began with a takeoff from runway 02 at the Pavullo nel Frignano airport. The takeoff roll, lift-off, and climb were normal, and the aircraft initiated a left turn. During the turn, the tow aircraft increased its bank angle, released the tow cable, and subsequently crashed into a building on the outskirts of the town. Impact with the building and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft, which had a wood and fabric structure. The pilot of the F-OIPA died. The glider continued the left turn, entered a downwind leg, and landed with the tow cable still attached to its hook. No injuries were reported on the ground, though the building's roof sustained severe damage, the extent of which was not determined.
Aircraft and Personnel
The Robin DR 400/200R (serial number 2375) was registered to and operated by the Aero Club Pavullo. It had a valid certificate of airworthiness and had accumulated 240 flight hours as of 31 July 2000. The pilot of the F-OIPA was a 44-year-old Italian male with a private pilot license issued in 1991. He held ratings for single-engine piston aircraft, motorglider, and glider towing (since November 1999). His total flight experience was 243 hours and 50 minutes, including 51 glider tows. The glider pilot was a 65-year-old Italian female with a glider pilot license issued in 1995 and 147 hours and 9 minutes of flight time. Both pilots held valid medical certificates.
Investigation and Cause
The Italian National Flight Safety Agency (ANSV) conducted the technical investigation. Weather conditions at the time were good, with excellent visibility and wind from 040°/050° at 4 to 5 knots. No flight recorders were installed. The investigation concluded that the accident was due to the pilot's loss of control of the aircraft for undetermined reasons.