What happened
On January 27, 2011, a Cessna 172N, registration I-AMCO, crashed into the western slope of Monte della Strega near Isola Fossara, Italy. The flight was a repositioning mission intended to move the aircraft from Ancona Falconara airport to Foligno, as the original destination, Perugia, was closed for maintenance.
At takeoff, the pilot was granted a special VFR clearance due to reduced visibility at the departure airport. Although the pilot had observed favorable weather to the west earlier that morning, the flight encountered deteriorating conditions. Shortly after departure, the pilot failed to follow instructions from Ancona Tower to return to Jesi, instead proceeding on a west-southwest course.
As the flight progressed, the pilot began making frequent course deviations. GPS data indicates that in the final minutes of flight, the aircraft performed several wide turns, likely in an attempt to find gaps in the low clouds to maintain visual contact with the ground. At approximately 13:58 UTC, the pilot attempted a final, fragmented radio call to Ancona Tower, expressing an intention to return to the departure airport. However, the aircraft was unable to maintain sufficient altitude and struck the terrain at approximately 2,657 feet.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the flight path reconstruction using GPS data and radio communications. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training and experience, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation also analyzed the aircraft's final maneuvers, noting that the engine appeared to be functioning normally until impact, as evidenced by witness reports of a constant engine sound.
Findings
- The pilot experienced a loss of situational awareness due to adverse weather conditions, including low clouds and very low visibility.
- The accident is classified as a Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).
- The pilot failed to adhere to VFR regulations and did not adequately plan the flight considering the local topography and the deteriorating weather.
- The aircraft was airworthy, and the fuel onboard was sufficient for the intended mission.
- There were no medical or pathological factors identified that contributed to the accident.