What happened
On March 11, 2022, a Cirrus SR22, registration ZS-CDA, crashed into the mountains near Forno Alpi Graie, Italy. The aircraft was engaged in a long-distance ferry flight, part of a multi-leg journey transporting the plane from South Africa to the United States. After a technical stop at Cuneo Levaldigi Airport, the pilot departed for Ostenda, Belgium, under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), with plans to transition to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at a later waypoint.
During the climb from 5,000 ft to 10,000 ft, the aircraft encountered deteriorating weather. Flight data recovered from the Aerosance RDM 100 recorder indicates that the aircraft maintained a steady altitude until approximately two minutes before impact, at which point it began a series of turns. The aircraft struck a mountain ridge at an altitude of approximately 10,600 ft. The pilot, a 79-year-old American with 50,000 flight hours, perished in the accident.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the flight path, meteorological conditions, and the pilot's physiological state. Investigators analyzed data from the onboard flight recorder, which revealed no mechanical anomalies or engine failures prior to the crash. The propeller showed damage consistent with a high-energy impact while rotating, suggesting the engine was producing power at the moment of collision.
Investigators also examined the pilot's recent flight history and health. The pilot had been conducting a demanding series of long-duration flights across several continents. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed meteorological reports, which confirmed the presence of low visibility, mountain obscuration, moderate icing, and turbulence in the area. While the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) was found intact and unexploded, autopsy findings suggested the pilot may have experienced a sudden medical event, potentially triggering the deployment of the parachute before the final impact.
Findings
- Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) was the primary cause of the accident, resulting from a loss of situational awareness as the aircraft entered Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
- The pilot's decision to continue the flight under VFR was a significant contributing factor, as the weather conditions were marginal and the terrain exceeded 12,000 ft.
- Operational fatigue played a role, as the pilot had been managing a strenuous schedule of long-haul ferry legs.
- The pilot's underlying health conditions, including cardiac and metabolic issues, may have contributed to a loss of physiological stability or a sudden medical emergency during the flight.