What happened
On April 13, 2001, a Cessna 182 (registration OE-DNB) crashed into the Iaccio Grande area of the Monte Morrone massif in the municipality of Salle, Italy. The aircraft was conducting a VFR tourist flight from Portorose, Slovenia, to Naples, Italy, carrying a pilot and three passengers.
Radar tracking indicated the aircraft's last contact with Pescara Approach occurred at 14:58 UTC. The final radar signal was detected at 15:05 UTC, which is believed to be the moment of impact. Due to severe weather conditions, the wreckage was not located until two days later by an aerial rescue helicopter.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the flight planning, meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's technical state. The investigation established that the pilot was properly licensed for VFR flight but lacked instrument rating (IFR) capabilities. While the pilot had significant historical flight experience, his activity had decreased to approximately 10 hours per year in the two years preceding the accident.
Technical analysis of the Cessna 182 showed that the aircraft was well-maintained and in an airworthy condition. No mechanical failures or engine issues were identified; the propeller damage indicated the engine was functioning normally at the time of impact. The investigation also noted that the pilot was likely using GPS to follow a shorter route that deviated from the standard VFR routes prescribed in the Italian AIP for the Pescara CTR.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) resulting from the pilot maintaining an altitude below the minimum safety requirements for the area.
- The pilot likely lost situational awareness due to clouds enveloping the mountains, leading to a loss of visual reference.
- The meteorological conditions were unstable, characterized by cloud cover, potential for turbulence, and icing.
- The aeronautical charts used by the pilot were insufficient, as they did not clearly display all relevant terrain elevations for the area.
- Suboptimal flight planning and the use of non-standard routes contributed to the accident.