What happened
On March 2, 2019, a Tecnam P2002S, registration I-7731, was performing a recreational flight departing from the "Tre colli" airstrip in Rubiano, Italy. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft impacted the ground near the departure site, resulting in significant damage to the airframe and serious injuries to the pilot.
During the pre-flight inspection, the pilot noted that the engine cowling could not be closed correctly after checking the coolant levels. Following takeoff from runway 03, while attempting to level off at approximately 450 feet, the left engine cowling opened during flight. In response to this emergency, the pilot initiated a left turn and reduced the airspeed to 90 km/h. Shortly thereafter, the pilot reported a loss of lift and attempted to apply full power; however, the aircraft impacted the terrain approximately two to three seconds later.
The investigation
The ANSV examined the wreckage at the crash site, located in a hilly agricultural area at an altitude of roughly 650 feet. Physical evidence indicated the initial impact occurred on the nose and the left wing. The investigation revealed that the engine cowling was improperly secured, with visible damage to the right-side closing hinges.
Analysis of the wreckage showed that the wooden propeller blades had separated from the engine with minimal rotational damage, suggesting a low rotational speed at the moment of impact. While the engine remained largely intact, the cockpit sustained significant structural deformation, and the windshield was shattered at the pilot's position. The investigation also noted that the right wing fuel tank had separated from the structure due to the impact, while the left tank still contained fuel.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the unrecoverable stall caused by improper aircraft handling following the sudden opening of the engine cowling.
- The pilot's decision to reduce speed to 90 km/h during the emergency placed the aircraft in a flight condition susceptible to stalling.
- The failure to correctly secure the left engine cowling prior to takeoff directly contributed to the cowling opening in flight.