Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a wooded, hilly area in Cassano di Centenaro, approximately 43 km southwest of Piacenza, Italy. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, and both the pilot and passenger were killed.
Flight History
The flight originated from Valetta Airport, Malta, bound for Milan-Linate Airport. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger. After passing Elba Island at an altitude of 21,000 feet over the Gulf of Genoa, the airplane deviated eastward from its prescribed route, which would have taken it over Genoa before descending to Milan. Minutes later, it entered an uncontrolled descent and struck the ground.
Probable Cause
Investigators determined that the pilot lost control of the aircraft, leading to the collision with the ground. The reasons for the eastward deviation could not be precisely established. The lack of visibility due to night conditions was considered a contributing factor, as it may have prevented the pilot from seeing the ground and accurately determining the aircraft's position. The investigation found no convincing evidence of an in-flight structural failure, a technical failure of the flight controls, or any alteration in the pilot's physical or mental abilities.