What happened
On September 28, 2014, a Pitts Model 12, registration I-WILL, was performing an aerobatic flight near the Mensanello airstrip in Italy. After taking off from runway 07, the pilot moved west of the airfield to conduct maneuvers.
During the display, the aircraft performed a series of maneuvers, including a loop and a roll. Following a vertical roll, the aircraft entered a snap roll (scampanette). During this phase, the aircraft transitioned into an inverted position and entered a flat, inverted spin. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground with high energy, and a fire broke out upon impact. The collision resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the wreckage, witness testimonies, and meteorological conditions. An eyewitness, an experienced aerobatic pilot, observed the sequence of events, noting that the aircraft was performing a torque roll and using smoke. The witness reported that after the snap roll, the aircraft entered an inverted state and began a descending spiral.
Investigators examined the engine and the airframe for signs of mechanical or structural failure. Although the post-impact fire caused extensive damage to the wreckage, no evidence of engine malfunction or structural failure was found. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials and medical history; the pilot was highly experienced, and autopsy results showed no medical conditions that would have impaired flight control.
Findings
- The aircraft entered an unrecoverable attitude following the snap roll maneuver.
- The investigation could not rule out that insufficient altitude prevented the pilot from recovering the aircraft from its inverted state.
- There was no evidence of mechanical failure or structural compromise prior to the impact.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable and did not contribute to the accident.