What happened
On May 19, 1980, a SIAI-Marchetti 208, registration HB-EVR, departed Lugano-Agno, Switzerland, bound for Valencia, Spain. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with one pilot and one passenger on board.
As the aircraft progressed through the Italian airspace, it encountered deteriorating meteorological conditions characterized by instability and cumulonimbus clouds. While navigating near the Turin area, the aircraft entered a thunderstorm zone. In an attempt to avoid a large convective cell and the rising terrain, the pilot experienced a loss of airspeed. At approximately 10:51 GMT, the aircraft struck the ground near Barma Porcile with high vertical velocity, resulting in the death of both occupants and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft's flight path deviated significantly from its original plan, eventually heading north, almost opposite to the intended route. Radio communications between the pilot and Turin Approach indicated that the pilot requested an ascent to level 125, but provided an imprecise position.
Investigators noted that the pilot's communications became increasingly intermittent and imprecise as the aircraft approached the thunderstorm. The investigation also examined the pilot's qualifications, noting that while he held a valid private pilot license, he had not undergone basic instrument flight training. The wreckage analysis confirmed a high-speed, nearly vertical impact with the terrain.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot flying into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without the necessary training or proficiency in instrument flight rules.
- The pilot's attempt to maneuver around a thunderstorm cell led to a loss of situational awareness and spatial disorientation.
- Increasing pilot nervousness and the stress of the deteriorating weather contributed to degraded decision-making and slower reaction times.
- The pilot's reliance on visual references was lost when he entered the clouds, and he failed to utilize available radio assistance or altitude changes to exit the critical situation.
Safety action
- Pilots are encouraged to maintain frequent and proactive contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) even during VFR flights to prevent entering irreversible situations.
- Pilots should clearly communicate when encountering adverse weather to solicit necessary assistance, overcoming any hesitation to request help.