Two killed when ultralight helicopter hits power lines, crashes in Italy

A tragic accident in Italy's Piedmont region claimed the lives of two individuals when their ultralight helicopter crashed in the Antrona Valley. The incident occurred around 11:10 AM near the Campliccioli dam in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province.

The two victims have been identified as Alessandro Angelo Muscinelli, 62, the pilot from Premeno, and Antonella Pagliarani, 63, from Milan. Muscinelli was the brother of a man who was at the scene and was treated for shock.

While the helicopter's departure point is unknown, it is believed the pair were on a scenic flight. Preliminary investigations suggest the autogyro, a type of ultralight helicopter, struck power lines belonging to an Enel funicular leading to Camposecco. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire before crashing on the valley side below the dam.

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I saw the scene from my balcony. The helicopter was flying, then I saw a ball of fire. There is no doubt that the aircraft caught fire when it hit the funicular cables.

Franco Borsotti, the mayor of Antrona Schieranco, witnessed the event. "I saw the scene from my balcony," he recounted. "The helicopter was flying, then I saw a ball of fire. There is no doubt that the aircraft caught fire when it hit the funicular cables." He expressed surprise that the pilots did not notice the cables, noting the funicular has been there for sixty years and should be marked on maps. Borsotti also mentioned that the area is within a nature park where flying is not typically permitted, and it appears no permits were requested.

Emergency services, including firefighters, Carabinieri, and the Guardia di Finanza, responded to the scene. Despite rescue efforts, the occupants could not be saved. Muscinelli was an engineer who had worked in training and founded a safe driving company. The Guardia di Finanza is investigating the crash.

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The funicular is there for sixty years. It cannot fail to be marked on the maps.