Dramatic Photos

Death of a test pilot

AliReggiane

Reggia Emilia, 14 March 1941, afternoon: the fatal conclusion of the 14th test flight of the Reggiane Re.2001’s second prototype MM408 with the death of the test pilot, Pietro Scapinelli. Pietro Scapinelli, member of an antique titled family of the Emilia, he was Count of Leguigno, born at Vicenza on 30 March 1903, Officer in regular service of Italian Air Force, was a famous and well experienced Italian military pilot of the Thirties of XX Century which on 21 October 1933 gained with a seaplane Macchi MC.72 the Blériot Trophy, average speed 619.37 km/h. and for this exploit was awarded of the Gold Medal of Aeronautical Valor. On 1937 fought as fighter pilot in the Spanish Civil War earning a Gold Medal of Military Valor and the advancement to rank of Maggiore (Squadron Leader/Major) for war merit. After the return in Italy from the Spain, Scapinelli, now Tenente Colonnello (Lt. Col.), moved at Reggio Emilia to Officine Meccaniche Reggiane, in brief Reggiane, (Caproni Group) as test pilot with the main task the tests of the new fighter Re.2001. At 17.15 of 14 March 1941 Scapinelli take off from Reggio Emilia for a normal flight test of the new fighter, but after a go-around following a pass over the airfield, the engine suddenly fail and the pilot attempt an emergency land trespassing the Rodano, a little stream near the airfield, and pointing two willows aiming to stop the aircraft against the two trees. But the speed is still very strong and in the impact the wings separate oneself from the fuselage which go ahead for some meters. The pilot is throw forward bumping violently into the stick conking out. Helping immediately and loaded in the ambulance, Scapinelli die crossing to hospital departing from his wife and five sons. Accident’s probable cause: during the go-around the electric variation unit of the airscrew pitch, built by Alfa Romeo, manufacturer under license of the DB.601 engine, and still experimental, halted at maximum pitch bringing the engine’s switch off. The Alfa Romeo was judged guilty and sentenced to a big compensation. Victor Sierra