What happened
On June 3, 2001, a Robin DR 250/160, registration G-BCGG, crashed into the slopes of Monte Tobbio in the province of Alessandria, Italy. The aircraft had departed from Venice Lido earlier that morning, participating in the European Tour air rally, with a planned route toward Cannes, France.
During the flight, the crew encountered unstable weather conditions across Northern Italy. While some participating aircraft diverted to other airports to avoid thunderstorms, the pilot of G-BCGG continued toward the coast. At approximately 09:30 UTC, the aircraft was in communication with Genova Radar, reporting its position near the Genoa CTR. Shortly after, the aircraft ceased all radio communications. Witnesses on the summit of Monte Tobb andio reported hearing the sound of an aircraft followed by a loud boom, similar to an explosion. The wreckage was later located approximately 70 to 80 meters below the peak. The two fatalities involved were the pilot and his wife.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the flight path, the aircraft's technical condition, and the meteorological environment. Investigators analyzed satellite imagery, which revealed a significant weather disturbance moving from the northwest across Northern Italy. The investigation also included an examination of the wreckage, noting that the aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact. The investigation reviewed the pilot's experience, noting significant total flight time, and confirmed the aircraft's maintenance was up to date.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was flying into deteriorating weather conditions characterized by vertical convective clouds (cumulonimbus) and heavy thunderstorms.
- The presence of these storm cells led to a significant drop in temperature and the formation of dense fog and mist along the mountain ridges, severely reducing visibility.
- The pilot was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in an area with complex terrain and marginal meteorological conditions.
- The aircraft's impact with the terrain resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and the deaths of both occupants.