What happened
On April 5, 2001, an amateur-built I.6 .66L San Francesco, registration I-JANV, was conducting a recreational flight when the pilot experienced engine vibrations shortly after takeoff. In response to the mechanical irregularity, the pilot decided to perform an immediate return to the F Baracca airstrip in Sessa Aurunca.
During the landing attempt on the 630-meter grass runway, the aircraft made contact with the ground at a speed that was excessive for the remaining runway length. The aircraft failed to stop within the runway boundaries, overshooting the threshold and entering an adjacent plowed field. The terrain in the field was muddy due to recent rainfall, causing the aircraft to lose traction and eventually come to rest in an overturned position. Both occupants, the pilot and a passenger, were able to evacuate the aircraft on their own. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger was uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's performance during the landing phase and the condition of the airfield. Investigators noted that while there was no precipitation at the time of the accident, recent rainfall had left the grass runway surface damp. This moisture likely contributed to reduced braking effectiveness.
Examination of the engine components revealed that the propeller hub remained correctly attached to the engine shaft flange, though both propeller blades were broken at the root. The nature of this damage indicated that the engine was producing high power at the moment of impact. The pilot's statements also confirmed that the approach speed was too high relative to the available runway distance.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the inadequate execution of the landing maneuver, specifically regarding excessive approach speed.
- The aircraft's inability to stop within the runway limits was exacerbated by the lack of tire adhesion on the damp grass surface.
- The muddy conditions of the adjacent field contributed to the aircraft's eventual overturn.