Carlo Arnulfo and Angela Buccico disappeared during a Sunday morning flight from Capo d’Orlando, Sicily, to Sibari, Calabria, aboard a Tecnam P2008 ultralight aircraft. Their flight transponder ceased functioning and their mobile phones became unreachable, triggering an active search operation.
The Flight Path and the Final Transmission
The couple departed on Sunday morning from the Capo d’Orlando airfield in Sicily, aiming for a roughly ninety-minute transit to Sibari. The last confirmed human contact occurred at approximately 10:30 AM on Sunday. Angela Buccico transmitted a photograph of the Stromboli volcano via WhatsApp to a member of her family while already airborne.
“We spoke to Angela Sunday,” stated Rocco Buccico, brother of Angela Buccico, in an interview with La Repubblica. “And then we no longer had news.”
Following that communication, the aircraft’s transponder went dark, and attempts to reach either cellular device failed completely.
Search Operations and Rescue Architecture
Rescue operations mobilized immediately after communication dropped. Search teams have concentrated their efforts in the zone stretching between Fuscaldo and Falconara Albanese.
The search utilizes a deployment of aerial assets. Military aircraft, a rescue helicopter, and drones are scouring the area to support ground teams.
Rescue workers have expressed skepticism regarding theories that the Tecnam P2008 terminated its flight in the sea. They note that ultralight aircraft of this class typically fly near the coast. Given the numerous beachgoers present on the Calabrian shorelines, it is judged unlikely that the aircraft ended its course in the sea without being spotted.
Pilot Experience and Logistical Context
Background details regarding the flight crew reveal a difference in experience. Carlo Arnulfo is described by family as an experienced pilot. Conversely, the journey marked one of the initial ultralight flights for Angela Buccico.
The itinerary was designed to encompass a five-day stay before returning to Sibari, where Angela Buccico maintains a coastal residence. Rescue teams continue combing the designated search sectors between Fuscaldo and Falconara Albanese.
