What happened
On the afternoon of November 14, 1990, Alitalia Flight 404 departed from Linate Airport in Milan, Italy, bound for Zurich Airport in Switzerland. The aircraft involved was a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32, identified by the registration I-AZIO. During the final stages of its approach to Zurich, the flight deviated from its intended path and impacted a wooded area located in Weiach, Switzerland. The collision resulted in the immediate destruction of the aircraft and the loss of all 46 individuals on board, including both crew members and passengers.
Investigation
Subsequent inquiries focused on the circumstances surrounding the deviation during the approach phase. Investigators examined flight data and cockpit voice recordings to determine why the aircraft strayed from its designated glide path and localizer course. The investigation sought to establish whether mechanical failure, navigational error, or environmental conditions contributed to the trajectory that led to the crash site in Weiach.
Findings
The inquiry concluded that the primary factor was the crew's failure to maintain proper situational awareness during the instrument approach. Contributing elements included inadequate monitoring of navigation instruments and a lack of effective cross-checking between flight directors and actual aircraft position. The 46 fatalities were directly attributed to the high-impact collision with the terrain, which left no survivors. The investigation highlighted critical deficiencies in crew resource management and adherence to standard operating procedures for precision approaches in low-visibility conditions.