What happened
On December 28, 2022, a Piper PA-28 Archer II, registration I-PIDR, was engaged in a recreational flight from Belluno to Trento. After performing a touch-and-go at Bolzano airport, the pilot decided to deviate from the original flight plan. To avoid flying over the Cortina area due to approaching sunset, the pilot opted for a route via Moena and Predazzo.
While navigating the valley leading toward Forcella di Valmagloire, the aircraft attempted to climb over the terrain. As the aircraft approached the pass, the pilot experienced a perceived loss of power and found the aircraft unable to maintain the necessary climb gradient. Realizing the mountain was too close to clear, the pilot attempted to execute a 180-degree turn but found the surrounding ridges blocked the maneuver. The pilot ultimately maintained a heading to avoid a sudden impact, but the aircraft struck a snow-covered slope at approximately 7,070 feet, roughly 150 meters northwest of the Paolo e Nicola bivouac.
All three occupants (the pilot and two passengers) exited the aircraft safely and sought help at a nearby mountain shelter. The aircraft sustained significant structural damage, including a deformed fuselage, damaged wings, and a broken landing gear.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's flight history, and the flight tracks recorded via ForeFlight. Technical inspections of the engine, propeller, and flight controls revealed no mechanical failures; the engine was operating normally, and the propeller showed evidence of impact while the engine was producing power.
The investigation also analyzed the pilot's experience, noting that while the pilot had recently completed extensive flight training in the United States, they lacked specific experience navigating high-altitude mountainous terrain. The investigation also reviewed the flight planning, noting that the pilot's decision to change the route was driven by time pressure as sunset approached.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the inadequate assessment of the aircraft's climb performance relative to the terrain obstacle.
- The pilot's limited experience in mountainous environments contributed to the error.
- In-flight route re-planning, driven by time pressure to avoid darkness, led to suboptimal decision-making.
- The use of electronic flight bags may have created an overconfidence effect, potentially leading the pilot to overlook critical altitude requirements for obstacle clearance.
- The presence of a thick layer of snow and the slope's inclination helped mitigate the impact energy, preventing a more catastrophic outcome.
Safety action
- The ANSV has issued a safety recommendation to ENAC to evaluate methods for sensitizing flight organizations to monitor and guide newly licensed pilots (PPL holders) during their initial hour-building phases, helping them mitigate risks associated with autonomous flight operations.