Fatal aircraft accident near Parma-Giuseppe Verdi Airport

3 fatalities • Parma, Italy • Landing (descent or approach)

A training flight involving a pilot-in-command, an instructor, and a student resulted in a fatal crash near Parma, Italy, after the aircraft stalled during an approach.

What happened

On a local training mission departing from Parma-Giuseppe Verdi Airport, a PA-46 was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to revalidate the pilot-in-command's license. The flight crew consisted of three individuals: a rated pilot, an instructor, and a pilot under supervision. After completing an emergency landing drill and a subsequent touch-and-go maneuver, the crew began a new circuit and received clearance for an approach to runway 20.

During the short final phase of the flight, the aircraft was executing a left turn to align with the approach path. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a stall. The resulting loss of control led to a collision with power lines, causing the aircraft to crash near a roundabout situated approximately 1,100 meters before the threshold of runway 20. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and three fatalities.

Findings

  • The aircraft entered a stall while performing a turning maneuver on short final.
  • The collision with overhead power lines occurred immediately following the stall.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall during a left-hand turn while on short final approach.

All Piper PA-46 Malibu/Meridian accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-04-23 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident near Parma, Italy?

A training flight involving a pilot-in-command, an instructor, and a student resulted in a fatal crash near Parma, Italy, after the aircraft stalled during an approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-04-23 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-04-23 involved a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class), registration D-EPOE, operated by Private Germany, at Parma, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall during a left-hand turn while on short final approach.

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