What happened
On March 2, 2011, at approximately 01:23 UTC, a Cessna 550, registration S5-BAX, was performing a takeoff roll on runway 12 at Forlì Airport. The aircraft was operating as an air ambulance for GIO Business Aviation, transporting medical personnel for an organ transplant mission. As the aircraft approached rotation speed, it veered off the left side of the runway. The aircraft traveled approximately 150 meters across the runway strip before coming to a stop. There were no injuries to the two pilots or the medical professional on board, but the aircraft sustained damage to the right main landing gear, the nose gear, the fuselage, and the right winglet. Additionally, a runway edge light was destroyed during the excursion.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the environmental conditions and flight parameters at the time of the incident. Meteorological reports indicated heavy snowfall with visibility limited to 400 meters and a low ceiling of 900 feet. The runway surface was contaminated with approximately 15 mm of snow, which was actively increasing due to ongoing precipitation. Investigators have decoded data from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), though they are currently verifying one flight parameter that appears inconsistent with other evidence. The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) provided high-quality audio, though translation of the crew's native language may be required for full analysis. The investigation is also reviewing the operator's organizational structure and flight procedures.
Findings
- The runway was contaminated with accumulating snow at the time of takeoff.
- The flight was an urgent medical mission involving organ transport, which may have influenced operational decision-making in critical environmental conditions.