Cessna 172S crashes into Monte Capra following loss of control

Casualties unknown • Coli (Piacenza), IT

A flight from Austria to Italy ended in a fatal crash on the slopes of Monte Capra after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence and entered an asymmetric stall.

What happened

On June 18, 2011, a Cessna 172S, registration OE-KSY, crashed into a heavily forested area on the slopes of Monte Capra, near Aglio and Coli, Italy. The aircraft had departed from Notsch/Im Gailtal, Austria, at 07:58 UTC, bound for Albenga, Italy, under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

During the flight, the pilot maintained regular contact with air traffic control services, including Verona APP and Milano FIC. After receiving instructions from Genova Radar to remain on standby, the aircraft began a gradual descent from approximately 4,60 and entered a slow right turn. At approximately 10:20 UTC, the aircraft disappeared from radar screens. The wreckage was located later that day. The impact was followed by a violent post-crash fire caused by leaking fuel. The crash resulted in three fatalities: the pilot and two passengers.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an asymmetric stall due to extreme turbulence and mountain waves, leading to a loss of control from which recovery was impossible at such low altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-06-18 C 172S accident near Coli (Piacenza), IT?

A flight from Austria to Italy ended in a fatal crash on the slopes of Monte Capra after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence and entered an asymmetric stall.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-06-18 involved a C 172S, registration OE-KSY, at Coli (Piacenza), IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an asymmetric stall due to extreme turbulence and mountain waves, leading to a loss of control from which recovery was impossible at such low altitude.

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