What happened
On August 26, 2020, an Aviamilano P.19, registration I-CAVL, crashed near Cassano allo Ionio, Italy, shortly after departing from the Sibari Fly airstrip. The aircraft was engaged in a repositioning flight destined for Vercelli. Following the impact, a post-crash fire destroyed the airframe, resulting in two fatalities (the pilot and one passenger).
Surveillance footage from a nearby residence captured the final seconds of the flight, showing the aircraft descending at a steep 45-degree angle with a right bank before striking the ground and exploding. While the aircraft had successfully cleared high-voltage power lines in the area, it was unable to maintain altitude during the initial climb phase.
The investigation
The ANSV examined the wreckage, the engine, and local environmental conditions. Technical analysis of the Continental/Rolls Royce O-200A engine revealed no mechanical failures or pre-existing defects that would have caused an engine shutdown; evidence suggested the propeller was still rotating at the moment of impact.
Investigators also analyzed the aircraft's weight and balance. Based on the aircraft's empty weight, the presence of two occupants, estimated fuel load, and ballast, the takeoff mass was estimated to be between 804 kg and 841 kg. This exceeded the maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) of 785 kg. Furthermore, the calculated center of gravity was likely at or near the rear limit of the allowable range.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control in flight due to an aerodynamic stall occurring during a turn.
- The aircraft was likely operating in an overweight condition, which, combined with a rearward center of gravity, made the aircraft unstable and difficult to recover from a stall.
- Environmental factors, including high ambient temperatures (29°C) and a 6-knot tailwind component, significantly degraded the aircraft's climb performance.
- The critical nature of the initial climb phase and the low altitude at the time of the stall left the pilot with insufficient margin to execute a recovery maneuver.