What happened
Between 2000 and 2002, several serious aviation occurrences were investigated by the ANSV.
In August 2001, a Fuji FA-200-160, registration D-ELHR, experienced a complete engine failure during a low-altitude transfer flight near Caorle, Italy. The pilot performed an emergency landing on a beach, where the aircraft struck parked bicycles and umbrellas.
In June 2000, a Short SC7, registration VH-WGG, was conducting parachute jumps near Padova when the main door detached from the aircraft and fell into a populated area. An instructor on board was also forced to deploy a parachute after being swept out of the aircraft.
In May 2001, an airprox occurred at Roma Urbe airport involving a Cessna 182, registration I-LUPP, and a BN-2P, registration I-LACO. The Cessna 182 entered the control zone without prior contact with the tower or reporting its entry point, leading to a near-collision that required an immediate evasive maneuver by the other aircraft.
Additionally, a Fokker F.27, registration I-SIXA, experienced an engine shutdown and automatic feathering of the right propeller during takeoff from Bratislava. Separately, a Socata TB 9, registration I-IAEU, veered off the runway at Bari Palese during landing after the pilot struggled to maintain control following a wing lift.
The investigation
The ANSV examined the mechanical and operational factors behind these events. For the Fuji FA-200-160, investigators inspected the fuel system and found that the aircraft had been stored outdoors in Germany for an extended period. For the Short SC7, the investigation focused on the sequence of door closure following parachute deployments. In the Roma Urbe airprox, investigators reviewed radio communications and entry procedures for the airport's control zone.
Findings
- The engine failure in the Fuji FA-200-160 was caused by the near-complete blockage of the left wing tank vent pipe by a wasp nest, which created negative pressure and prevented sufficient fuel flow to the carburetor.
- The Short SC7 door detachment resulted from an incorrect closure maneuver where the instructor attempted to close the door while the support latches were still retracted.
- The airprox involving I-LUPP was attributed to the pilot's failure to follow established air traffic regulations regarding entering the control zone.
- The Fokker F.27 engine shutdown was caused by a malfunction of the Low Torque Switch on the right engine.
- The runway excursion of the Socata TB 9 was due to inadequate aircraft control during the landing phase.