What happened
On July 11, 2004, at approximately 07:00 UTC, a Cessna 172 F, registration I-FFSC, impacted terrain near Passo Pré de Lame in the Rezzoaglio area. The aircraft, operated by Aero Club Lodi, was conducting a VFR tourist flight from Vigarolo di Borghetto Lodigiano toward Marina di Campo.
The pilot had planned to climb to 7,000 feet to maintain terrain clearance while crossing the Ligurian Apennines. However, as the aircraft approached the mountains, the pilot encountered localized haze and clouds near the ridges, which reduced visibility. The pilot also reported encountering strong downdrafts that made maintaining altitude and flight attitude difficult. The aircraft struck the ground at approximately 5,100 feet, just below a mountain crest. The three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's experience, and the meteorological environment. Technical inspections of the Cessna 172 F revealed no structural failures or mechanical malfunctions; the aircraft was well-maintained, and its airworthiness certificate was valid. The pilot's flight experience was deemed adequate for the mission, with significant recent experience on this specific type.
Investigators noted that while general weather conditions were good, local meteorological phenomena, including haze and clouds at the ridge tops, were present. The investigation also identified that the aircraft was not equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), which is required for flights without a filed flight plan. This omission was reported to the national aviation authority (ENAC).
Findings
- The accident was a case of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).
- The primary cause was the pilot flying at an altitude insufficient to maintain terrain separation due to encountering unfavorable weather conditions.
- Localized haze and clouds near the mountain ridges prevented the pilot from maintaining continuous visual reference to obstacles.
- To avoid entering clouds and losing visual contact with the ground, the pilot delayed the planned climb, leading to the impact.