What happened
On the afternoon of the incident, a single-engine aircraft departed from Thiene Airstrip at 15:40 local time. The flight was intended as a local excursion and was carrying a total of eleven people, including the pilot, one observer, and nine skydivers. During the flight, at an altitude of 13,500 feet, seven passengers exited the aircraft to skydive, while the remaining three passengers stayed onboard due to low visibility caused by fog.
While attempting to return to the departure airfield, the pilot struggled with the heavy fog, which led to two failed approach attempts. In an effort to find better conditions, the pilot opted to divert to Asiago Airport, situated approximately 24 km away. However, during the maneuvering process near the diversion airfield, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. This loss of power led to a stall, causing the plane to strike the roof of a building in Rozzampia, located less than one kilometer east of the airport. The impact resulted in four injuries and the total destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in conditions of poor visibility due to fog.
- The engine ceased functioning during the circling phase of the flight.
- The loss of engine power resulted in an aerodynamic stall.