What happened
On January 31, 2018, a Reims Aviation F150L, registration I-CENE, departed from Verona Boscomantico Airport for a VFR training flight. The aircraft was carrying two occupants: a highly experienced flight instructor and a student pilot. Shortly after takeoff, while positioned near the right downwind of runway 26, the pilot communicated an intention to return for a landing on the same runway. Shortly thereafter, an eyewitness observed the aircraft crash in the Arbizzano area of Negrar. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilots' qualifications, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The aircraft had been undergoing regular maintenance, and the engine had undergone a major overhaul in early 2017. Technical analysis of the engine did not reveal any mechanical inefficiencies, though the severe damage from the impact and subsequent fire prevented a complete inspection of all engine accessories. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's weight at takeoff was likely at or slightly above its maximum takeoff mass (MTOM).
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control due to a stall at an altitude too low to allow for recovery.
- While the exact trigger for the loss of control could not be definitively identified, investigators noted that the situation may have been degraded by an unidentified engine issue.
- Marginal VFR weather conditions, characterized by low ceilings and limited visibility, acted as a significant contributing factor.
- The presence of weather conditions favorable for carburetor icing may have increased the pilots' workload, especially given the limited altitude available.
- The aircraft impacted the ground in a nearly vertical attitude with the propeller stopped.