Incident Overview
On May 26, 2002, at approximately 18:00 UTC (20:00 local time), a Beech 95-B55 "Baron" with registration I-JULI crashed in the high valley of Monte Mommio, within the municipality of Fivizzano in the province of Massa-Carrara. The aircraft was operating a visual flight rules (VFR) touristic flight from Cannes to Ravenna.
Flight History and Sequence of Events
The pilot departed Cannes at 17:00 UTC with three passengers on board. The flight was planned as a VFR route via Mentone, Sestri Levante, Pavullo, and Cotignola. After leaving the Marseille Flight Information Region, the pilot contacted Milano FIC at 17:15:20, reporting departure from Mentone at 7,500 feet.
During the leg to Sestri Levante, the pilot requested weather information for Bologna, specifically inquiring about cloud conditions. At 17:39:28, the pilot informed Genova APP of leaving Sestri Levante and proceeding directly to Pavullo. According to a surviving passenger, the aircraft subsequently entered a cloud formation. At 17:46:29, the pilot announced the start of descent, estimating arrival at Pavullo for 18:02.
At 17:48:02, the pilot contacted Milano FIC again, stating they were descending from 8,000 feet toward Pavullo. The last communication occurred around this time. At 18:07, a passenger called emergency services (112) to report the crash. Milano FIC attempted to re-establish contact with the aircraft ten minutes after the estimated arrival time at Pavullo but received no response.
Damage and Casualties
The investigation report notes that the aircraft sustained significant damage upon impact. The surrounding forest area suffered minor damage. While the specific number of injuries is not detailed in the provided text, one passenger survived and was able to call for assistance.