What Is the Investigation Revealing About Italy’s A21 Plane Crash?

Two people were killed when a small aircraft plunged onto the A21 highway in Brescia, Italy, shortly after taking off from the Gagnano Trebbiense airfield. The victims were identified as 75-year-old Milan-based lawyer Sergio Ravaglia and his 50-year-old partner, Anna Maria De Stefano.

Video footage captured the final terrifying seconds as the ultralight plane nosedived vertically and exploded into a fireball on impact. The aircraft narrowly missed passing vehicles, but two cars drove through the flames. Both drivers were injured but are expected to recover.

New details from the scene

The crash occurred just after midday on Tuesday. Traffic was halted in both directions as firefighters battled the inferno and cleared wreckage across multiple lanes.

Eyewitness Enzo Bregoli, who was only 50 meters behind the plane at the time, recalls seeing the aircraft spinning and descending rapidly. He said, “Suddenly, the pilot seemed to lose control. The ultralight spun around and dropped nose-first. When it hit the ground, flames erupted immediately.”

Another motorist, 49-year-old Cladio Nolli, was on a nearby ring road when the plane went down. “I entered the road and saw a burst of flame. I drove through it thinking a truck ahead of me had lost something,” she said. “I never imagined it was a plane. Twenty seconds later, and it would have hit me too.”

Did you know?
Ultralight aircraft in Italy are not subject to mandatory flight path declarations, making them harder to monitor than traditional private or commercial flights.

What investigators are focusing on

Investigators from the National Agency for Flight Safety arrived the same day. The aircraft, an ultralight model, does not require a declared destination under national regulations. That gap is now under scrutiny.

The probe will examine whether the pilot experienced mechanical issues, if onboard systems failed, or if maneuvering options were reduced due to altitude or obstruction.

Authorities also opened a manslaughter inquiry, which is standard in public transport-related fatalities. As of now, no foul play is suspected.

No evidence of mechanical failure yet

The cause of the crash remains undetermined. Early reports suggest no radio distress calls were issued. There is no indication that weather or air traffic control played a role.

The flight had been recreational, with no passengers aboard other than Ravaglia and De Stefano. The plane was completely destroyed in the crash.

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Rising questions over ultralight rules

The ultralight classification allows these aircraft to operate under fewer restrictions. They are not required to contact control towers or file flight plans, making real-time monitoring difficult.

Discussions have resurfaced in parliament about possible changes to these laws. Some officials are pushing for location tracking systems to be made mandatory.

Aftermath and road closure

The A21 motorway was reopened several hours after the crash. Damage to the surface was extensive, and crews continue to assess the structural integrity of sections affected by fuel and heat.

Investigators are expected to deliver preliminary findings within one month. Full analysis will take longer and could shape new national safety guidelines.

As the aviation community grieves the loss of Ravaglia and De Stefano, focus now turns to ensuring this type of crash doesn't happen again, especially over one of Italy’s busiest highways.