What happened
On August 17, 2003, an EADS Socata TB 9 (registration I-IAEI) was conducting a sightseeing and aerial filming flight in the Val Pesarina region of Northern Italy. The flight, operated by Aero Club Friulano, was intended to capture footage of the village of Pesariis for a short film.
After completing an initial pass over the village at approximately 4,300 feet, the pilot attempted a 180-degree turn to return toward Udine. During this second pass, the aircraft entered a narrow section of the valley. As the pilot attempted to climb to a safer altitude to facilitate the turn, the aircraft's airspeed dropped toward stall limits. The aircraft struck the treetops and impacted a sloping meadow at an altitude of approximately 4,200 feet. The impact destroyed the aircraft; the pilot survived without injury, while the three passengers sustained minor contusions.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's performance, the pilot's experience, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators analyzed the wreckage and found no evidence of mechanical failure or pre-existing technical issues. The aircraft's maintenance records were up to date, and all certificates of airworthiness were valid.
While the pilot reported maintaining a steady altitude, investigators determined the aircraft was likely flying at a lower altitude than stated during the second pass. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's takeoff weight likely exceeded the maximum allowable limit due to the inclusion of filming equipment and baggage, which significantly degraded the aircraft's climb performance.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a terrain collision occurring during a climb maneuver in a state of near-stall.
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the specific orography of the Val Pesarina valley contributed to the error.
- The pilot's insufficient flight planning failed to account for the complex terrain and the reduced climb capabilities of the aircraft under heavy load.
- The presence of localized convective turbulence and downdrafts, common in such mountainous terrain, likely further reduced the aircraft's rate of climb.
- The aircraft was operating in a narrow, enclosed valley, which limited the pilot's options for maneuvering safely.