What happened
On April 26, 2003, at 14:33 UTC, a Cessna 172 K, registration I-AMCB, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) recreational flight from Belluno to Trento. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and one passenger.
While on final approach to runway 18 at Trento Mattarello airport, the pilot declared an emergency, reporting that the engine had stopped. The aircraft subsequently struck fruit trees in an orchard located approximately 70 meters north of the runway threshold. Despite the impact, the pilot and passenger were able to evacuate the aircraft without injuries. The aircraft sustained significant damage, including a torn engine cowling, damaged landing gear, and a deformed tail section, while the engine and fuel system remained intact.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the aircraft's fuel levels, the pilot's flight planning, and the mechanical state of the engine. Investigators examined the wreckage and analyzed the fuel remaining in the tanks after the accident.
Technical checks confirmed that the fuel gauges and the fuel selector valve were fully functional. The investigation also noted that the pilot had personally performed the refueling process prior to departure, drawing fuel from another aircraft at the same aero club. The flight planning was found to be rudimentary, and the investigation compared the actual fuel remaining to the unusable fuel limits specified in the aircraft's flight manual.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, as the amount of fuel on board was insufficient to complete the planned flight.
- The amount of fuel recovered from the aircraft was only 8.4 liters, which was below the 11.355-liter threshold defined in the flight manual as unusable fuel.
- The pilot failed to perform adequate flight planning regarding fuel requirements.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable, with clear skies and visibility exceeding 10 kilometers.
- The pilot held a valid private pilot license and medical certificate.