Flight History
On 4 November 2006, at approximately 09:00 UTC, the twin-engine turboprop aircraft Piper PA-31T1 (Cheyenne), registered I-POMO, departed from Bresso Airport for Malta International Airport (LMML) with two persons on board, arriving around 12:30 UTC. On 5 November 2006, at 23:22:00 UTC, the same aircraft, with the pilot and one passenger, departed from Malta for Milan Linate Airport (LIML). The pilot filed an IFR flight plan with an estimated departure time of 23:10 UTC, cruising at FL210, routing via Palermo–Elba–Genova, with an estimated arrival at Milan Linate at 03:00 UTC (04:00 local).
ATC Communications and Descent
At 01:54:59 UTC on 6 November 2006, while on airway M729 at FL160, after crossing point NORNI at the boundary between the Rome and Milan FIRs, the pilot established initial contact with Milano ACC. Following radar identification, the aircraft was cleared for a direct approach to DIXER point, approximately 23 NM southeast of Milan Linate, which is the initial approach fix for runway 36R. This deviation shortened the route, bypassing Genoa and point IDONA. At 02:12:55, about 60 NM from DIXER at FL160 with a ground speed of 208 knots, the pilot requested descent. At 02:14:10, approximately 49 NM from DIXER, Milano ACC cleared the aircraft to descend to FL90, which the pilot acknowledged at 02:14:13, beginning a descent at 800–950 ft/min.
Loss of Contact
At 02:19:18, the radar controller noticed the aircraft's track, crossing FL120 about 30 NM from DIXER, beginning a slow right deviation. By 02:20:48, the deviation exceeded 90 degrees and the aircraft was crossing the cleared altitude. The controller repeatedly called I-POMO without response. At 02:20:51, the last combined radar track (primary and secondary) was recorded at 8,800 feet. The incident occurred near Cassano di Centenaro, a hamlet of Ferriere, in the province of Piacenza.
Investigation
The Italian National Flight Safety Agency (ANSV) conducted the technical investigation. Investigators inspected the accident site and examined the wreckage. The investigation objective was to prevent future accidents, without determining blame or liability.