Cirrus SR20 crashes into mountainside in Italy

Casualties unknown • Località Cairo Montenotte Superiore (SV), IT

A Cirrus SR20 crashed into a forested mountainside near Cairo Montenotte Superiore, resulting in three fatalities during a VFR flight.

What happened

On June 23, 2011, a Cirrus SR20, registration LX-MPR, was conducting a VFR flight from Cannes, France, to Verona Boscomantico, Italy. The flight path was intended to take the aircraft over Savona and Voghera. While navigating the mountainous terrain of the Italian hinterland, the aircraft struck a mountainside at an altitude of 833 meters (2,732 feet) near Cairo Montenotte Superiore.

The aircraft struck the treetops of a densely forested area with significant force. The impact caused the aircraft to break apart, and the engine and propeller were thrown forward from the airframe. A fire broke out following the impact, fueled by leaking fuel from the wing tanks. All three occupants on board were killed in the accident.

The investigation

The ANSV investigation examined the wreckage, radar tracks, and meteorological data. Radar analysis showed the aircraft had been climbing as it approached the mountains, reaching a peak altitude of approximately 970 meters. However, the final radar tracks indicated a right-hand turn and a subsequent loss of altitude just before the impact.

Examination of the engine and propeller revealed that the engine was operating at high power at the time of the collision. The propeller blades showed evidence of striking heavy objects while rotating at high speed. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's ballistic parachute was accidentally deployed during the impact sequence. No mechanical failures or pre-impact structural issues were identified in the wreckage.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • The pilot likely lost visual contact with the ground due to a drastic reduction in visibility caused by low-altitude cloud layers.
  • Meteorological conditions in the Ligurian hinterland were critical for VFR operations, with actual cloud bases appearing much lower than forecasted, significantly impacting visibility.
  • The pilot likely attempted to descend to regain visual contact with the terrain, leading to the fatal impact with the mountainside.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot flying the aircraft into terrain while in a controlled state, following a loss of visual reference with the ground due to deteriorating visibility and low-altitude cloud layers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-06-23 Cirrus SR20, accident near Località Cairo Montenotte Superiore (SV), IT?

A Cirrus SR20 crashed into a forested mountainside near Cairo Montenotte Superiore, resulting in three fatalities during a VFR flight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-06-23 involved a Cirrus SR20,, registration LX-MPR, at Località Cairo Montenotte Superiore (SV), IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot flying the aircraft into terrain while in a controlled state, following a loss of visual reference with the ground due to deteriorating visibility and low-altitude cloud layers.

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