On May 20, 2017, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration S5-CEI) operated by Homovolants was involved in an aviation accident near Cecina, Italy during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered left and struck a drainage ditch immediately after touchdown on a grass surface. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A single-engine aircraft veered off course and struck a drainage ditch during landing at Cecina Airfield, resulting in a total loss of the airframe.
What happened
Following the completion of a skydiving mission in the vicinity of Cecina Airfield, the pilot was performing a landing maneuver. Upon touching down on a grassy section of the airfield, the single engine aircraft began to deviate toward the left side of the runway area. During this excursion, the plane struck a drainage ditch, which caused the aircraft to come to a halt.
There were no occupants injured during the incident, as the pilot was the only person on board at the time. While the pilot escaped the wreckage without harm, the impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair.
Findings
The aircraft departed the intended landing surface and entered a drainage ditch.
The incident occurred during the landing phase of flight.
Probable cause
The aircraft veered left and struck a drainage ditch immediately after touchdown on a grass surface.