What happened
On November 4, 2000, a Pitts S-2A, registration I-ADAB, departed from Biella Cerrione airport for a planned 40-minute local flight. After takeoff, the aircraft flew toward the Serra di Ivrea hills, likely on a southwest heading. While traversing the slopes of the Serra, the aircraft was observed traveling at high speed with the engine at full power.
As the aircraft cleared the ridge toward the plain below, it entered a sharp right-hand roll that transitioned into an inverted flight attitude. This maneuver evolved into a steep, right-sided descending turn. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and impacted a rocky outcrop with extreme force. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained fatal injuries due to widespread polytrauma.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the wreckage, the engine, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The wreckage was found heavily deformed against a rock protrusion, with the fuselage significantly destroyed and the propeller blades damaged by impact with obstacles.
Technical examinations of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction prior to the crash. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, finding that all medical and flight qualifications were valid. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions, with visibility exceeding 10 km and calm winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was loss of aircraft control.
- A sudden change in lighting levels, as the aircraft moved from bright light to shadow, likely caused a visual adaptation difficulty for the pilot.
- The irregular terrain, characterized by steep slopes and undulating hills, contributed to the difficulty of maintaining control during the maneuver.