What happened
A local test flight involving a Piaggio P.66 twin-engine prototype originated from Naples-Capodichino. While the aircraft was performing its mission over the Gulf of Gaeta, the pilot experienced significant issues regarding the controllability of the plane. This instability led to the aircraft entering a steep dive, which ultimately resulted in an impact with the sea off the coast of Gaeta. There was one fatality recorded, as the pilot was the only person on board at the time of the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the incident occurred during this second experimental flight phase. The primary factor identified was that turbulence produced by both turboprop engines caused extensive damage to the stabilizers. This structural failure rendered the aircraft unable to maintain control over its pitch axis, leading to the fatal descent.