What happened
On April 18, 2002, at approximately 17:45 local time, a Rockwell Commander 112TC, registration HB-NCX, struck the Palazzo della Regione (commonly known as the Pirelli Tower) in Milan, Italy. The aircraft, operated by a single pilot, was performing a VFR flight. During the final phase of the flight, the pilot reported a technical issue and attempted to manage the landing gear. Witnesses indicated that the pilot performed at least one cycle of gear extension and retraction before the impact occurred.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the flight path, radio communications, and the pilot's technical and environmental circumstances. Investigators reconstructed the aircraft's final trajectory based on reliable witness testimony, as the aircraft was not equipped with a Flight Data Recorder. The inquiry also reviewed the radar coverage in the Linate CTR, noting that the existing system did not provide continuous information at altitudes below 1,100 feet MSL in the Northwest sector. Additionally, the investigation analyzed the pilot's experience, noting a history of similar aeronautical accidents, and reviewed the clarity of instructions provided by Linate Tower.
Findings
- The pilot was unable to adequately manage the final phase of the flight while dealing with simultaneous technical and environmental challenges.
- The pilot failed to follow instructions provided by Linate Tower Control.
- The pilot was unaware of a NOTAM indicating that runway 36L/18R was closed to fixed-wing traffic.
- The sun's position at the time of the event likely caused solar glare, impairing the pilot's vision during the critical landing gear extension and retraction procedures.
- The flight planning was found to be superficial, and the pilot's flight conduct was characterized by a lack of concentration and poor timing.
- Technical issues with the aircraft and a lack of recent flight training contributed to the accident.
- Radio communications from Linate Tower were occasionally ambiguous, contradictory, or unclear.
Safety action
- The ANSV recommended that the national aviation authority and ENAV SpA evaluate updating VFR departure procedures from runway 36L at Linate to avoid flying over densely populated areas.
- A recommendation was made to review VFR holding procedures to ensure aircraft avoid flying over heavily populated urban sectors.