Narrative:DC-3 I-LINC was cleared for a VFR flight to Elba and continuing IFR to Milan along airways A3 and A9. Cruising altitude was FL105.
The course laid down in the flight plan was not followed; instead the crew tried to fly a direct course Roma-Milan. The aircraft deviated from this direct course and crashed into a mountain 2h12 min after takeoff.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The Commission concluded that the change in route followed by the aircraft and the resulting accident may be attributed to the following: a) the pilot did not follow the airways assigned in the flight plan - which constitutes a violation of flight rules; b) he did not check his direction and position along the new route; c) unfavourable weather conditions and drift existed; d) there was a possibility of error in the navigational instruments."
Classification:
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) - Mountain
Sources:
» ICAO Accident Digest No.8, Circular 54-AN/49 (176-181)
» L'Unitá 25-12-1956
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Roma-Ciampino Airport to Milano-Malpensa Airport as the crow flies is 524 km (327 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.