San Leo Airfield

The direct cause for closure was a judicial seizure ('sequestro') by the Italian judiciary following a fatal accident involving an ultralight aircraft. An ultralight plane crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the death of the pilot. Such incidents trigger an automatic investigation and seizure of the site by authorities to determine the cause and verify compliance with safety and operational regulations. The airfield was never recertified or reopened following the investigation, leading to its permanent abandonment.

The site is completely abandoned and in a state of advanced decay. Satellite imagery and ground-level reports confirm that the grass runway is heavily overgrown and no longer distinguishable as an active airstrip. The land is returning to nature and may be partially used for agriculture. The associated buildings and hangars, if any remain, are derelict. The airfield is unusable for any aviation activity.

San Leo Airfield was an 'aviosuperficie,' a category of private airstrip in Italy primarily used for general aviation, recreational flying, and flight training. It was particularly popular within the ultralight (ULM) aircraft community. Its location in the scenic Valmarecchia, close to the historic and touristic town of San Leo, made it a convenient base for pilots wishing to explore the region from the air. It supported local tourism and served as a small but active hub for flight enthusiasts in the Province of Rimini.

There are no known or credible plans to reopen San Leo Airfield. The significant legal history, the long period of abandonment, and the substantial investment that would be required to clear the land, rebuild infrastructure, and meet current stringent aviation safety standards make a revival highly improbable. The land is likely to remain in its current state or be fully repurposed for non-aviation use in the future.