What happened
On May 19, 2001, an Aviat Pitts S-2B biplane was performing a landing at Ambri Aerodrome (LSPM) in Switzerland. During the final approach to runway 29, a witness observed a yellow car driving across the south side of the runway in the opposite direction of the aircraft's arrival.
In response to the runway incursion, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft climbed almost vertically while executing a left turn. This aggressive climbing turn led to an aerodynamic stall. Although the pilot attempted to push the nose down to regain airspeed, the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude to recover. The aircraft struck the ground in a nearly horizontal attitude, resulting in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted in collaboration with the Ticino Cantonal Police, examined the aircraft's technical condition, the flight parameters, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. Investigators inspected the wreckage and found no evidence of mechanical failure; the engine was producing power at the moment of impact, and the flight controls were functional.
Medical examinations of the pilot and passenger revealed no presence of drugs, alcohol, or underlying health issues that contributed to the accident. The investigation also focused on the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the aircraft was operating significantly outside its certified limits.