Event Description
On 18 February 2024 at 07:45:55 UTC, a Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter, registration I-CAEF, departed from Trento Mattarello Airport for a VFR flight without a flight plan, destined for Bolzano Airport. During the navigation, the pilot decided to perform a low-speed approach near his residence in the southern outskirts of Laives. While executing the maneuver, he lost control of the helicopter, which abruptly impacted the ground. The two occupants, the pilot and a passenger, exited the helicopter after it rolled onto its side on impact, reporting minor injuries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The helicopter, serial number 1324, was a two-seat Guimbal Cabri G2 with a maximum takeoff mass of 700 kg. It was equipped with a three-blade main rotor, a seven-blade fenestron tail rotor, and a Lycoming O-360-J2A engine producing 145 hp. The fuel tank capacity was 170 liters. Total flight hours were approximately 500 for both the airframe and the engine. The last 50-hour inspection was performed on 10 February 2024, and the Airworthiness Review Certificate was valid until 7 May 2024.
The pilot, aged 67, held a valid Private Pilot License (Helicopter) with a rating for the Cabri G2 and a valid second-class medical certificate. According to the operator, he had accumulated about 157 total flight hours, mostly on the Cabri G2.
Location and Wreckage
The wreckage was found at 46°25'6.36"N 11°20'8.86"E, at an elevation of approximately 830 ft AMSL, in the southern outskirts of Laives about 2.4 nm southeast of Bolzano Airport. The site was adjacent to several houses, including the pilot's, on grassy terrain with medium to tall vegetation. About 140 m southeast, a steep mountain wall rises to over 2,000 ft AMSL. Impact marks and separated parts were observed, including plexiglass fragments and composite pieces from the main rotor blades. No fuel spill was evident.
Examination Findings
The post-impact examination indicated that the helicopter contacted the ground in a slightly nose-down attitude with a left rotation and a low to moderate vertical speed. After impact, it rolled onto its left side. Two of the three main rotor blades bent due to contact with vegetation and terrain. The fuselage sustained impact damage, particularly on the left side and forward plexiglass. The left skid was found beneath the helicopter; the right skid was damaged forward. The tail boom showed superficial rupture from vegetation contact and a break at the base of the stabilizer upper part. The main rotor hub and blades showed impact damage consistent with rotation at the time of contact. The tail rotor assembly had no obvious damage, and continuity of the flight controls and drive shaft was verified. Approximately 62 liters of AVGAS were drained from the tank. The engine compartment and transmission components were essentially intact. The cockpit was structurally and avionically intact; notable control positions included the collective lever nearly fully raised, the governor switch ON, master switch OFF, fuel pump ON, alternator ON, carburetor heat ON, and fuel selector OFF.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at the time was compatible with VFR flight. The METAR for Bolzano Airport (about 2.4 nm northwest) at 0650 UTC indicated variable wind at 1 kt, CAVOK, temperature 2°C, dew point 2°C, QNH 1032 hPa. At 0750 UTC, similar conditions with temperature 4°C, dew point 3°C.
Additional Information
The helicopter was owned by Eurotech S.r.l. and operated by Italfly S.r.l. The flight was categorized as tourism. No other damage was reported.