Aircraft crash on Mount Punta Tricoli during flight to Cagliari

3 fatalities • Gairo Sant'Elena, Italy • Flight

A small aircraft crashed into a mountainside in the Gairo Sant'Elena region while flying through heavy snow and icing conditions.

What happened

During a flight from Tortolì-Arbatax toward Cagliari-Elmas Airport, the aircraft encountered severe meteorological conditions characterized by snowfall and active icing. While navigating these difficult weather patterns, the plane became uncontrollable and struck the slope of Mt Punta Tricoli, situated within the Gairo Sant'Elena area.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were three fatalities among the occupants of the flight, with no survivors reported from the crew or passengers.

Findings

Investigations into the accident suggest that the primary contributing factor was the presence of accumulating ice on the airframe during the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft likely encountered heavy icing conditions that led to a loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1975-03-20 Partenavia P.68 accident near Gairo Sant'Elena, Italy?

A small aircraft crashed into a mountainside in the Gairo Sant'Elena region while flying through heavy snow and icing conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1975-03-20 Partenavia P.68 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1975-03-20 involved a Partenavia P.68, registration I-SFCC, operated by Officine di Produzione, at Gairo Sant'Elena, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft likely encountered heavy icing conditions that led to a loss of control.

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