Accident Description
On 23 March 2024 at 10:02 UTC, a Tecnam P2002S ultralight aircraft, registration I-9681, departed from the Montebelluna airfield in Treviso province, Italy, for a flight to Udine-Campoformido airfield. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted the ground approximately 300 meters from the end of the runway. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in the deaths of the pilot and passenger.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Tecnam P2002S, a two-seat, low-wing, single-engine ultralight with a fixed tricycle landing gear and all-metal structure. It was built in 2009 with serial number 396 and had accumulated 788 flight hours since new. The maximum takeoff weight was 600 kg, and the never-exceed speed (VNE) was 285 km/h. The engine was a Rotax 912 ULS four-cylinder, two-carburetor, 100 HP engine (serial number 5651564), manufactured in 2008. It used MOGAS (automotive gasoline) as fuel. The propeller was a fixed-pitch wooden two-blade unit. The aircraft was equipped with a Galaxy Rescue System 5 ballistic parachute.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 71-year-old Italian national, held a VDS (ultralight) pilot qualification with advanced pilot, two-seat, and formation endorsements. He also held aeronautical radio telephony certification in Italian and English. His medical certificate was valid until 1 December 2024. He had logged 534 hours and 30 minutes of flight time, mostly on a Tecnam P96, and was a former Italian Air Force pilot and instructor.
Engine and Maintenance
The engine had a recommended TBO of 1500 hours or 12 years, with possible extensions through specific maintenance actions. At the time of the accident, the engine had 788 hours since new. The most recent maintenance was a 200-hour inspection performed by the pilot on 21 March 2024, which included cylinder compression tests, oil and filter replacement, spark plug cleaning, carburetor float checks, and a ground run followed by a 20-minute test flight, all with positive results.
Fuel System
The fuel system comprised two aluminum wing tanks, each with a capacity of 50 liters, shut-off valves in the cockpit, a gascolator with a drain valve in the engine compartment, a mechanical fuel pump, and an electric backup pump.
Procedures
The Pilot's Operating Handbook includes procedures for engine start, shutdown, and engine failure after takeoff. The P2002JF variant specifies limiting turns and maintaining a minimum IAS of 51 kt (95 km/h) during an engine failure after takeoff.