Italian Air Force: terrible crash in centennial year

On 7 March 2023, the Aeronautica Militare (ItAF, Italian Air Force) suffered a terrible deadly accident in their centennial year 2023. Two SIAI-Marchetti S208M (U-208A Italian designation Mission Design Series) from the 422ª Squadriglia Volo a Vela (Squadron) of the 60° Stormo based at Rome-Guidonia (RM). Both liaison and glider-towing aircraft collided and crashing into the ground in an area near the Rome-Guidonia military airport.

Unfortunately, the two pilots died on impact. One aircraft crashed in Via delle Margherite of the Guidonia Montecelio area. The other one was found in a field nearby the airfield.

According to some reports, the two aircraft were flying as part of a four-ship formation, with the other two aircraft landed safely on the airfield. The circumstances of the accident are under investigation. The Aeronautica Militare started a flight safety investigation on the incident.

The SIAI-Marchetti S205 is an Italian four-seat, single-engine, light airplane, manufactured by SIAI-Marchetti and made its maiden flight in 1965. The Italian Air Force employs a version called S208M and uses them as liaison, glider-towing, and training aircraft.

This military version differed from the civil version through its avionics, its two doors for the cockpit, the possibility to mount a hook to tow gliders and the lack of some fuel tanks. Some 45 examples were used.

Photo: Aeronautica Militare