What happened
On November 19, 2000, a Socata TB 9, registration I-IAGV, was performing a local flight from Vicenza Airport to Lake Fimon with three passengers on board. During the final approach to runway 36, the aircraft made contact with the ground approximately 40 meters before the runway threshold.
During the landing roll, the aircraft's left main landing gear struck metal forks supporting electrical cables. These cables, which were positioned approximately 30 centimeters above the ground, were severed. The impact also caused damage to several runway threshold lights, including three lights being uprooted and one damaged. Following the impact, the pilot noticed the obstacle and attempted to pull up, which prevented the aircraft from veering off the side of the runway. The aircraft was able to continue its roll and return to the parking area without further incident. There were no injuries to the pilot or passengers, and the aircraft sustained no structural damage.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the technical, environmental, and human factors involved in the event. The investigation focused on the presence of the cables in the area, which was classified ambiguously in the AIP as both a Stopway and a Clearway. Under both classifications, the presence of such obstacles was deemed irregular and non-compliant with safety standards.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's recent flight experience. Records showed the pilot had only 21 minutes of flight time on the Socata TB 9 type in the preceding 24 hours and had not flown this specific model since May 2000. The investigation also noted that the cables were managed by a military detachment operating at the airport.
Findings
- The primary cause of the event was the pilot's incorrect assessment of the aircraft's trajectory during the final approach phase.
- This error was attributed to the pilot's limited familiarity with the performance characteristics of the Socata TB 9 due to a long period of inactivity on this specific type.
- The presence of electrical cables in the runway threshold area created a significant hazard.
- The classification of the area in the AIP was ambiguous, leading to uncertainty regarding its status as a Stopway or Clearway.