Fatal low-level pass leads to aircraft destruction at decommissioned airfield

Casualties unknown • Cascina Permuta, IT

A PROCAER F.15B aircraft struck a parked ultralight and a person during a low-altitude pass, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

On September 20, 2014, a PROCAER F.15B aircraft, registration I-CICO, was performing a low-altitude pass at the former Cascina Permuta airfield in Vigevano, Italy. While flying at an extremely low altitude over the area in front of the hangars, the aircraft's right wing struck a parked ultralert (VDS) aircraft. The impact also struck and killed a person standing near the parked ultralight.

Following the initial collision, the I-CICO lost control and traveled approximately 135 meters before striking an earthen embankment near the threshold of runway 07. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. The pilot of the PROCAER F.15B died in the crash. The person on the ground also succumbed to fatal injuries caused by the collision.

The investigation

The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the flight conditions, and the site's operational status. Technical examination of the wreckage showed no engine failure or mechanical issues; the engine and propeller were functioning normally until the impact. However, investigators found that the aircraft's annual inspection had expired in July 2014.

Witnesses reported that the pilot appeared to be intentionally performing a low-level pass, descending at high speed toward the hangar area. The investigation also noted that the airfield had officially ceased operations in February 2010, meaning certified aircraft should not have been operating there. Additionally, the sun was positioned almost directly in front of the pilot during the maneuver, which may have caused momentary glare.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was human error, specifically the inadequate management of the low-altitude pass by the pilot.
  • The pilot failed to adhere to established aviation regulations regarding minimum safe altitudes over populated or congested areas.
  • A contributing factor was the potential for momentary visual impairment due to the sun's position.
  • The aircraft was operating with an expired annual inspection.
  • The incident occurred at a decommissioned airfield that was still being used for flight activities.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's improper execution of a low-altitude pass, which led to a collision with ground objects and personnel. This was compounded by a failure to maintain regulatory minimum altitudes and the possible effect of sun glare.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-09-20 PROCAER F.I5B accident near Cascina Permuta, IT?

A PROCAER F.15B aircraft struck a parked ultralight and a person during a low-altitude pass, resulting in two fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-09-20 involved a PROCAER F.I5B, registration I-CICO, at Cascina Permuta, IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's improper execution of a low-altitude pass, which led to a collision with ground objects and personnel. This was compounded by a failure to maintain regulatory minimum altitudes and the possible effect of sun glare.

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