ANSV Investigation: Piper PA 34-220T Hard Landing at Venegono (I-ILAB)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 12 March 2005 at 11:58 UTC (12:58 local time), a Piper PA 34-220T with registration I-ILAB was involved in an accident at Venegono (VA) airport. The aircraft, a twin-engine propeller plane built in 2000 and registered in 2001, was operated by Aero Club Varese for a tourism flight. It was equipped with two Teledyne Continental CONT. TSIO360 engines, each rated at 225 hp, and had a maximum takeoff weight of 1,999 kg. ## Flight and Personnel Information The flight was piloted by a 52-year-old male holding a valid private pilot license, multi-engine piston (land) rating, and IFR rating. He had approximately 1,180 total flight hours, 29 hours 09 minutes on type, and 2 hours 31 minutes on type in the preceding 90 days. A passenger was also on board. ## Event Description and Damage During landing, the aircraft bounced multiple times on the runway. The main wheels touched down first, followed by the nose wheel, which burst and dropped violently, causing a rebound. The pilot then reduced engine power. The aircraft bounced seven additional times before stopping at the end of the runway. The bounces caused severe damage to both propellers, which were deformed inward, indicating minimal engine RPM. Structural damage to the airframe and wings was also sustained. The occupants were uninjured. ## Meteorological and Runway Conditions Weather conditions were VMC with wind from 210° at 10 knots and excellent visibility (CAVOK). The runway was asphalt, designated 18/36, measuring 1,420 meters in length and 40 meters in width. ## Analysis and Probable Cause The investigation found no technical factors contributing to the accident, as the aircraft's airworthiness was not in question. The incident was attributed to the pilot's incorrect assessment of the descent rate during the final approach, resulting in a heavy landing with subsequent bounces. The presence of wind may have contributed to the pilot's misjudgment of flight parameters. The initial impact likely exceeded 1.5g, while subsequent bounces generally remained below this threshold, explaining the lack of serious injuries. ## Safety Recommendations No specific safety recommendations were issued for this event.