What happened
On September 9, 2017, a Piper PA-3HD-200T with registration G-STZA departed from the Piovera airpark for a visual flight rules (VFR) repositioning flight to Biella Cerrione Airport. The aircraft was operated by a private pilot acting as the sole occupant.
During the flight, the pilot maintained regular radio contact with Milan FIC until approximately 08:12 UTC. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft ceased all communications. Radar data later revealed that while the flight initially followed a direct path, the aircraft began performing a series of erratic maneuvers approximately 3 NM south of the destination. This included a 90-degree turn to the west, followed by a turn to the east that resulted in a rapid descent of up to 2,000 feet per minute. The flight ended when the aircraft struck the ground at high speed near Salussola, causing the fatal death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the wreckage, engine components, and flight instruments. Analysis of the fuel clusters indicated that the aircraft had sufficient fuel for the planned mission and that the electrical systems were functioning. The engines showed no signs of mechanical failure or power loss prior to the impact; notably, the right engine propeller was missing from the scene, and evidence suggested the engine was operating at high power when the propeller struck the ground.
Investigators also analyzed meteorological data and radar tracks. While the flight began under visual meteorological conditions (VMC), the weather at the destination had deteriorated significantly, with low ceilings and reduced visibility. Radar tracking confirmed the aircraft was in a controlled flight state—main eventually entering a steep, descending turn—immediately before impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the impact with the terrain during the final phase of flight.
- The aircraft was operating in weather conditions that were below the legal VFR minimums for the destination airport, characterized by low visibility and rain.
- The pilot may have experienced spatial disorientation due to the sudden transition from VMC to instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). This likely led to a loss of situational awareness and a possible graveyard spiral maneuver.
- There was no evidence of mechanical failure, structural disintegration, or insufficient fuel to complete the flight.