What happened
On September 6, 2008, a Piper PA-28RT-201T, registration I-DAAD, departed Brescia Montichiari Airport (LIPO) at approximately 15:50 UTC for what was initially intended to be a local flight. The aircraft, operated by Aero Club di Brescia, was carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the flight, the pilot updated air traffic services, indicating a change in destination toward Asiago.
At 1 and 16:08 UTC, the pilot informed Padova FIC that the aircraft was at 8,000 feet, inbound to ADOSA, en route to Asiago. Two minutes later, the pilot reported having Asiago in sight and requested a frequency change. The final radio contact occurred at 16:11 UTC, when the pilot confirmed the new frequency for Asiago. However, the aircraft disappeared from radar at 16:12 UTC near the coordinates 45°49’41”N 11°13’35”E.
Following reports from the pilot's family that the occupants were missing, a search operation was launched. Two days later, the wreckage was located at "Punta del Vecio" on Monte Pasubio. The aircraft had struck a rock face at an altitude of approximately 4,700 feet and subsequently slid down a steep cliff. The impact and a subsequent post-crash fire left the aircraft destroyed. Both the pilot and the passenger died in the accident.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's technical records, meteorological data, and radio communications. Technical inspections of the Piper PA-28RT-201T and its Teledyne Continental engine showed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunctions prior to the accident. The aircraft's documentation and maintenance logs were found to be in order.
Investigators also analyzed the environmental conditions and the pilot's flight planning. Meteorological data revealed the presence of cumuliform clouds, including isolated cumulonimbus, as well as fog and rain in the vicinity of the accident site at the time of the event. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight experience and the sequence of radio communications with Brescia, Garda, and Padova air traffic services.
Findings
- The accident is classified as Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).
- The pilot had limited flight experience, with approximately 285 total flight hours.
- There was evidence of inadequate flight planning, as the pilot frequently changed the intended destination and route during the flight.
- The pilot may not have been sufficiently aware of the complex orography and the deteriorating weather conditions in the destination area.
- Adverse weather, including fog and rain, likely contributed to the accident by reducing visibility during a VFR flight.
- It remains uncertain whether the impact occurred while the pilot was attempting to navigate through cloud gaps toward Asiago or while attempting to return to the departure airport due to the weather.