What happened
On April 2, 2025, at approximately 12:34 UTC, a Promecc Freccia 100 (registration I-E027) crashed into a ridge in the Montessoro area of Isola del Cantone, Italy. The aircraft, a single-engine light aircraft, had departed from the "Il Falco" airpark in Mazzè for a transfer flight to Sutri.
During the flight, the aircraft's path became irregular near Novi Ligure, likely due to the pilot attempting to navigate around deteriorating weather conditions. As the aircraft approached the Montessoro valley, the terrain began to rise. GPS data from a tablet found on board indicates that the pilot initiated a sharp left turn, likely to avoid flying into clouds and entering Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). During this maneuver, the aircraft's ground speed dropped significantly, and the pilot increased altitude at the expense of airspeed, leading to a loss of control.
The impact occurred at an altitude of approximately 640 meters (2,100 ft) AMSL. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact and subsequently caught fire, resulting in two fatalities.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's wreckage, the engine, and flight data recovered from a tablet. Investigators analyzed meteorological charts and local witness testimonies to reconstruct the environmental conditions.
Technical examination of the Rotax 912 ULS2 engine and its components revealed no mechanical failures or anomalies. The engine and propeller were found to be in a state consistent with a rotational impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight planning and the decision-making process regarding the flight's commencement despite marginal weather.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control in flight resulting from an aerodynamic stall during a tight turning maneuver.
- The pilot was forced to execute a sudden course reversal due to the necessity of avoiding cloud cover and rising terrain.
- Marginal meteorological conditions, characterized by low clouds and poor visibility of mountain peaks, contributed to the necessity of the maneuver.
- The pilot's decision to proceed with the flight despite known deteriorating weather and the decision to continue through complex terrain instead of diverting to an alternative airfield contributed to the accident.
- The use of electronic navigation devices may have contributed to an excessive sense of security during the flight.