What happened
On August 15, 2018, a Piper PA-1SB-150, registration I-NENA, was conducting a recreational VFR flight near Cimadolmo, Italy. The aircraft had departed from the Grave di Papadopoli “Campo Jonathan” airfield carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the flight, the aircraft struck a medium-voltage power line located near the Piave River. The impact caused the aircraft to strike the ground approximately 72 meters away from the point of contact with the wire. The collision resulted in a post-impact fire that completely destroyed the aircraft. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the wreckage, meteorological data, and the site of the impact. Investigators found that the highest cable of the power line had been severed, and the broken wire was found entangled in the aircraft's right main landing gear. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's records, noting he was a licensed pilot with significant flight experience in the local area. Meteorological reports indicated favorable flying conditions with good visibility and calm winds at the time of the accident. However, the investigation also noted that the sun's position (approximately 261° azimuth and 28° elevation) might have compromised the visibility of the wires during a maneuver.
Crucially, toxicological analysis of the pilot revealed the presence of alcohol in his system at the time of the accident. The investigation also noted that the power lines were not marked with any visibility aids, as such markings were not required.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was inadequate separation from the power lines due to the pilot's failure to maintain the minimum safety altitudes required for VFR flight.
- The aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 10.39 meters, significantly below the required 150-meter safety margin above obstacles.
- The presence of alcohol in the pilot's blood may have contributed to impaired perception.
- The sun's position likely hindered the visual detection of the wires during the flight.
- The power lines lacked any visual markings or signaling to alert pilots to their presence.