Overview
The Italian National Flight Safety Agency (ANSV) investigated two separate accidents involving Tecnam P92 Echo ultralight aircraft on 17 December 2023. Both aircraft were operated as VDS (sport or recreational flights).
Aircraft and Occupants
The first aircraft, registration I-6092, was built in 1996 and powered by a Rotax 912 UL 80 hp engine. It was equipped with a two-blade variable-pitch constant-speed propeller and no ballistic parachute. A tablet running SkyDemon navigation software was mounted on the instrument panel. The pilot was 38 years old, Italian, and held a VDS license since February 25, 2021. There were two people on board (pilot and passenger).
The second aircraft, registration I-6251, was built in 2000 and initially classified as an advanced microlight. It was powered by a Rotax 912 ULS 100 hp engine and had a ballistic parachute, though the parachute was not listed on the identification certificate. By the time of the accident, its classification had reverted to basic VDS due to lapsed documentation. The pilot was 42 years old, Italian, and also held a VDS license since February 25, 2021. The aircraft carried two occupants (pilot and passenger).
Sequence of Events
On the morning of the accident, the I-6251 flew from Pegasus Airfield (Busano) to Prealpi-Musinè Airfield (Pianezza). There, the pilot met the I-6092 pilot and two passengers. Both aircraft departed Prealpi-Musinè for Castagnole Lanze, where they landed for lunch. They then flew to Vado Ligure on the Ligurian coast, turned around, and separated for their respective home airfields.
The I-6092, after making several passes west of Prealpi-Musinè, landed on a road in the San Gillio industrial zone. The I-6251 landed in a field approximately 300 meters from the Pegasus runway.
Injuries and Damage
Both aircraft sustained severe structural damage, particularly to the forward fuselage, landing gear, and wing sections. On the I-6092, both occupants suffered serious injuries. On the I-6251, the pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger minor injuries.
Operational Details
The I-6092 was not equipped with a ballistic parachute. The I-6251 had a ballistic parachute installed, but it was not reflected in the aircraft's identification certificate. Both aircraft were operated under VDS rules for tourism purposes.