What happened
On August 13, 2019, a Cessna 152, registration I-SANW, was involved in an accident near the Asiago airport in Italy. The flight, which was a recreational trip with one passenger, began at Thiene airport. During the flight, the pilot decided to perform an unplanned visit to Asiago airport to execute a touch-and-go maneuver on runway 08.
After touching down on runway 08, the pilot attempted to take off again. However, shortly after the wheels left the ground, the aircraft was unable to clear the tall trees located at the end of the runway axis. The pilot attempted to climb, which triggered a stall warning. The aircraft subsequently struck the treetops, causing the plane to rotate 180 degrees and impact the ground in a nearly vertical descent, eventually landing upside down. Both occupants sustained polytraumatic injuries but survived the impact.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's experience, and the environmental factors. Technical analysis of the Lycoming engine and the fuel showed no mechanical failures or contamination. Surveillance footage from the airport and GPS data from a mobile phone on board confirmed that the aircraft landed slightly long on runway 08 and attempted a continuous touch-and-go rather than a stop-and-go maneuver.
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the specific characteristics of the Asiago airport. The investigators noted that the airport is one of the highest in Italy and has specific operational restrictions, including a prohibition on takeoffs from runway 08 due to the terrain and runway gradient.
Findings
- Lack of flight planning: The decision to visit Asiago was spontaneous and not planned, meaning the pilot had not prepared for the airport's specific high-altitude challenges or its unique runway requirements.
- Non-compliance with procedures: The pilot attempted a takeoff from runway 08, a maneuver explicitly prohibited by the AIP Italia due to the terrain.
- Inadequate performance: The aircraft's climb performance was insufficient to clear the obstacles at the end of the runway, especially considering the runway's positive gradient and the pilot's failure to properly adjust the mixture for high altitude.
- Loss of control: The primary cause was the loss of control following an aerodynamic stall during the attempt to clear obstacles.
- Human factors: The pilot's limited flight experience and a lack of safety culture regarding thorough pre-flight planning contributed to the accident. There was also a possible misunderstanding between the pilot and the radio operator regarding the intended maneuver.