ANSV Investigation Report: Cessna 305 C Incident at L'Aquila Preturo Airport (I-EIAD)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 18 March 2005, at 15:30 UTC (16:30 local time), a Cessna 305 C with registration I-EIAD was involved in an accident at L'Aquila Preturo Airport (ICAO: LIAP). The aircraft, operated by Aero Club l'Aquila, was a 1961-built, single-engine, high-wing, fixed-tricycle gear aircraft. It was configured for a two-seat capacity and had a maximum takeoff weight of 1,089 kg. The aircraft was powered by a Teledyne Continental O-470-11 engine. ## Flight Operations and Personnel The flight was a training exercise. The pilot, a 37-year-old male, held a valid airline pilot license and a Class 1 medical certificate. He had a total of 4,920 hours of flight experience but only 11 hours on single-engine propeller (SEP) aircraft with a tailwheel configuration. His experience on the specific Cessna 305 type was limited to 58 minutes. ## Accident Description and Damage During the landing roll on runway 36, the aircraft yawed, causing the wingtips to strike the runway surface. The impact resulted in the loss of the left main wheel. The occupants, consisting of the pilot and one passenger, were uninjured. Structural damage included abrasions and deformations to the wingtips and fuselage. ## Investigation Findings and Probable Cause The ANSV investigation excluded technical and environmental factors, as the aircraft was airworthy and weather conditions were clear (CAVOK). The probable cause was identified as the pilot's incorrect assessment of the descent rate during the final approach, leading to a heavy landing. This caused a loss of control and the subsequent impact. The pilot's limited experience on the specific aircraft type was noted as a contributing factor. No specific safety recommendations were issued.