What happened
On March 15, 2003, a Rutan VariEze, registration I-ETTO, was conducting a VFR flight from Milan Bresso to Biella Cerrione. At approximately 17:07 UTC, the pilot reported being on final approach for runway 34. The weather conditions were favorable, with calm winds and visibility exceeding ten kilometers.
Shortly after the final approach report, the aircraft disappeared from radio contact. The wreckage was later discovered in a plowed field approximately 1,000 meters from the threshold of runway 34. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft. The pilot, a 58-year-old male with approximately 870 flight hours, sustained fatal injuries and passed away at a local hospital.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the flight path and the condition of the aircraft. Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the engine was still producing power at the time of impact, as evidenced by propeller fragments found near the site and the engine fuel pressure gauge (PDA) being frozen at a high-power setting. There were no signs of mechanical failure or engine malfunction.
Physical evidence at the scene included broken treetops along a nearby road. These branches contained traces of orange paint, matching the color of the aircraft's winglets. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's impact point was significantly lower than the height of the nearby trees, which stood approximately 12 meters tall.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control following an impact with treetops.
- The pilot maintained an altitude during the final approach that was lower than the standard approach profile.
- This low altitude led to the left winglet striking the upper branches of trees located near the 'raccordo Lancia' road.
- The impact with the vegetation caused the pilot to lose control, leading to the subsequent crash into the field.
- The investigation suggested that a momentary lapse in attention during a routine maneuver may have contributed to the altitude error.