What happened
On May 28, 2009, a DG-300 ELAN glider, registration I-AVAT, was conducting a training flight originating from Valbrembo airport. The flight proceeded toward Passo del Tonale, but upon reaching the vicinity of Malonno, the pilot found that atmospheric conditions were no longer sufficient to maintain the altitude required to return to the home aerodrome.
At approximately 600 meters AGL near Lovere, the pilot decided to perform an outlanding at a known nearby field. After identifying a suitable landing area and performing several spirals to lose excess altitude, the pilot established a landing pattern. However, while aligned with the field and only a few meters above the ground, the glider's canopy struck low-hanging electrical cables. The subsequent impact of the cables against the vertical stabilizer caused a sudden pitch-up, leading the aircraft to crash into the ground. The aircraft sustained extensive structural damage to the canopy, semi-wings, and tail surfaces.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation utilized flight parameter data from an onboard recorder to reconstruct the flight path. The investigation confirmed that the pilot made the decision to land out at a safe altitude and had properly prepared the maneuver.
Investigators examined the landing site, noting that the chosen field was located near rural buildings and vegetation, which may have obscured the view of the electrical pylons. Crucially, the investigation established that the electrical cables, which were positioned less than 10 meters above the ground, lacked any form of visual markers or warning signs. The investigation also noted that while the pilot had previously performed ground reconnaissance of the area, the specific cables were not identified during those inspections.
Findings
The primary cause of the accident was the impact with low-hanging electrical cables that were not visible to the pilot during the final approach.
Several contributing factors were identified:
- The pilot maintained an excessively flat final glide pattern in an attempt to land at the very beginning of the field.
- The physical and mental fatigue resulting from a flight duration exceeding three hours.
- An incorrect assumption that the landing site was clear of obstacles, stemming from an inadequate ground reconnaissance of the specific hazards.