What happened
On April 14, 2017, a Tecnam P9/2 Echo Super, registration I-7020, was conducting a local recreational flight from the "JFK" airfield near Dovera, Italy. After completing a traffic pattern, the aircraft attempted an approach to runway 16 but executed a go-around. During the subsequent climb toward the south, the aircraft plummeted to the ground and caught fire. The wreckage was located approximately 0.5 NM south of the airfield within a farmstead area. The impact caused two fatalities and minor damage to nearby farm structures. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the flight sequence, pilot qualifications, and aircraft maintenance records. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying at a low altitude from the north before it entered a steep dive and spun into the farmstead. One witness specifically noted the aircraft appeared to be in an inverted position momentarily before losing altitude rapidly.
Another pilot, who had flown the same aircraft earlier that day with the passenger, observed the aircraft perform a go-around and noted the retraction of the flaps. This witness reported hearing the engine RPM increase without any preceding engine malfunction, followed by a loud bang approximately 10 seconds later.
Regarding the crew, the pilot in command was an 18-year-old with approximately 20 hours of flight experience, holding a single-seat configuration rating. The passenger was a 27-year-old pilot with an expired rating. Investigators were unable to examine the aircraft's maintenance logs, as the logbook was destroyed in the post-crash fire.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control and entered a dive following the go-around maneuver.
- The aircraft entered a steep dive and spun into the ground, as observed by witnesses.
- The pilot in command did not hold the required authorization for two-seat operations with a passenger.
- The passenger's flight credentials were not valid at the time of the accident.
- There was no evidence of engine failure or mechanical malfunction reported by witnesses prior to the impact.