Accident
The second prototype of the P.68 twin-engine aircraft departed Naples-Capodichino for a local test flight. While cruising over the Gulf of Gaeta, the pilot encountered controllability problems. The aircraft entered a dive and struck the sea off Gaeta. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Investigation
Official investigation findings stated that during the second experimental flight, turbulence generated by both turboprop engines caused extensive damage to the stabilizers. This damage rendered the aircraft uncontrollable in the pitch axis, leading to the crash.
Aircraft
The aircraft involved was the second prototype of the P.68 series, a twin-engine turboprop design. It was on an experimental test flight at the time of the accident. No other details about the aircraft or its registration were provided in the source.
The accident occurred over water, and the wreckage was not recovered or at least not mentioned. The investigation focused on the aerodynamic effects of engine turbulence on the empennage.