Tragedy at the Air Show in Preturo, a hamlet west of L’Aquila: a 41-year-old pilot died when hit by a tanker while maneuvering
The victim is Paolo Dal Pozzo, Alitalia pilot, former naval officer, 41 years old, born in Acqui Terme and resident in Marina di Pietrasanta. According to an initial reconstruction he would have been hit by a tanker engaged in a maneuver on the airport runway in routine aircraft refueling operations. He was probably in a blind spot where visibility from the mirrors is minimal. The victim of the accident at Preturo airport was the co-pilot of the 118 helicopter rescue service in L’Aquila.
“I am deeply saddened and affected by this new tragedy which affects the air rescue service of the ASL of L’Aquila. All my solidarity with the Avincis company and above all my condolences to the family of the co-pilot who died in this tragic way.”
The head of the 118 service of the ASL 1 Avezzano Sulmona L’Aquila, Gino Bianchi, declared this to ANSA. Avincis is the company entrusted with the air rescue service in Abruzzo. A test flight by the Frecce Tricolori was scheduled for late morning.
The air show was canceled and spectators were removed. The 118 air ambulance and the police were on site to carry out investigations, as well as the magistrate on duty.
The National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (Cnsas), together with the Abruzzo regional service, expressed its condolences for the passing of its friend and fellow rescuer Paolo Dal Pozzo, co-pilot of the 118 helicopter rescue service in L’Aquila.
“To Paolo’s family and friends, to the ASL 1 Avezzano Sulmona L’Aquila, to the Avincis company, the sincere closeness of all the operators of the Alpine and Speleological Rescue”.
The president of the Abruzzo Region, Marco Marsilio, also spoke on the tragic death of the pilot:
“The tragic news that has upset what should have been a day of celebration in L’Aquila makes us all sad. On behalf of myself and the entire regional council, I offer my condolences to the family of the 118 pilot who lost his life at Preturo airport”.
