What happened
On March 9, 2002, an Antonov AN2, registration LY-AVD, crashed into the northeast slope of Monte Rotondo in the municipality of Rocca di Mezzo. The aircraft, which had departed from Budapest, Hungary, was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) en route to Tunis.
Shortly before the accident, the crew communicated with air traffic control near Pescara, stating they were maintaining an altitude of 5,500 feet and intended to proceed toward the "Aneda" waypoint. Although controllers questioned whether weather conditions permitted continued VFR flight, the pilots confirmed they could proceed. The aircraft struck the terrain at approximately 6,167 feet with an estimated impact speed of 115 knots. The crash resulted in three fatalities, including both pilots and one passenger.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft' and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators found that the aircraft was not equipped with flight data or cockpit voice recorders. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials and the meteorological reports for the central Italian region on the day of the event.
Analysis of the wreckage and ground impact patterns suggested that the engine was functioning normally and that there was no evidence of structural failure or loss of power prior to the collision. Furthermore, there was no evidence of medical emergencies involving the crew.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).
- The pilots were operating in severe weather conditions characterized by an occluded front, thunderstorms, low clouds, and the potential for icing, which made VFR flight impossible.
- The crew lacked the necessary instrument flight rules (IFR) rating to continue the flight under the prevailing weather conditions.
- The commander did not hold a valid English language radio telephony qualification required for international operations.
- The Antonov AN2 was not certified for flight in clouds or in icing conditions.
- Reduced visibility, estimated at approximately 800 meters by a witness, prevented the crew from maintaining adequate separation from terrain obstacles.