Flight History
The accident occurred on Sunday, 30 March 2003, at approximately 16:00 UTC (17:00 local time). The aircraft, a Reims Cessna F 172H registered I-VEPP, departed from Vigarolo Airstrip at 15:15 UTC for a local pleasure flight. On board were the pilot and a passenger, who also held a private pilot license. Shortly before returning to the airstrip, they decided to conduct a simulated emergency landing due to an engine failure as a training exercise.
The pilot lined up for final approach to runway 16 with flaps retracted, speed around 65–70 mph, throttle at idle, and engine RPM at approximately 800–900. At a very short distance from the runway threshold, the passenger independently extended the flaps fully and informed the pilot only after actuating the command. The resulting descent path caused the aircraft to contact the ground about 25 meters before the threshold, near an irrigation canal running perpendicular to the runway. The main landing gear struck the canal bank a few centimeters below the ground level. The aircraft abruptly stopped, pitched forward on its nose, and fell backward, striking the opposite bank with its tail.
Both occupants, despite serious injuries, evacuated the aircraft unaided and were assisted by members of the local Aero Club present at the airstrip.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The aircraft was a Reims Cessna F 172H (registration I-VEPP), owned by the Aero Club "Francesco Agello" of Lodi. The accident occurred at Vigarolo Airstrip in Borghetto Lodigiano (LO), Italy.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft incurred non-repairable damage to its airframe and engine/propeller group. No other property was damaged.
Meteorological and Other Information
The meteorological conditions and other factors such as air traffic control involvement were not detailed in the available source. No flight recorders were installed on the aircraft.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the accident resulted from the premature and uncoordinated extension of full flaps by the passenger at a critical point in the landing approach. However, a formal probable cause statement was not provided in the available source material.