What happened
On February 2, 2002, at 15:05 UTC, a Cessna C 210H, registration I-ALKI, was performing a recreational flight from Biella Cerrione to Turin Aeritalia. During the landing phase on runway 28R, the aircraft experienced a heavy impact with the ground.
An eyewitness positioned near the runway taxiway observed the aircraft on a low-speed short final approach. At approximately 15 meters of altitude and 10/0 meters from the touchdown point, the aircraft experienced a brief loss of engine power. The subsequent touchdown was a heavy, symmetric three-point landing, likely with the nose gear contacting the surface slightly early. The impact caused the main landing gear to flex and the nose gear to collapse into its bay. As the aircraft continued its rollout, the propeller struck the ground, resulting in damage to the three propeller blades.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers on board, all of whom were able to evacuate the aircraft independently.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation reviewed the aircraft's airworthiness and the pilot's credentials. The Cessna C 210H was found to be in a valid state of airworthiness. The pilot held a valid private pilot license and medical certificate, though the investigation noted a relatively low total flight time of 89 hours.
Witness testimony from an aviation professional on-site corroborated the pilot's account of a heavy landing. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance and technical status were not contributing factors to the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an incorrect approach configuration during the final stage of landing, characterized by an erroneous assessment of altitude and distance from the touchdown point.
- The pilot's limited flight experience may have contributed to the error.