What happened
On May 19, 2015, a Piper PA-18-150, registration I-BALP, was conducting a VFR flight from Voghera toward a landing site near Rome. While flying at approximately 1,500 feet AGL near Civita Castellana, the pilot experienced an unexpected engine failure. After attempting to restart the engine without success, the pilot identified a suitable field and performed an emergency landing.
Although the touchdown was controlled, the aircraft's forward momentum and the terrain conditions caused the plane to overturn. The aircraft pivoted on the propeller spinner, coming to rest on its back. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft to be treated by local residents.
The investigation
An ANSV investigation examined the wreckage and the pilot's flight history. The aircraft showed significant damage to the tail rudder, the front of the engine, and the left wing strut. Investigators noted that the landing gear was intact but heavily accumulated with vegetation from the field.
Analysis of the fuel system revealed that the tanks were nearly empty, with only approximately 5 liters of fuel found in the left tank. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's recent refueling, which had been performed using private canisters at Biella and Voghera. Flight path analysis, considering the aircraft's performance, consumption, and prevailing winds, suggested that the fuel onboard was insufficient to safely complete the planned route.
Findings
- The engine failure was likely caused by inadequate flight planning regarding fuel consumption.
- The aircraft overturned during the landing because vegetation accumulated in the wheel brakes, causing the landing gear to lock.
- The pilot had performed self-refueling using personal canisters, and the mathematical analysis of the flight path indicated that the remaining fuel was critically low for the intended mission.