What happened
During a night flight originating from Rome-Fiumicino Airport, the crew attempted an approach to Palermo-Punta Raisi Airport amidst severe weather, including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and low visibility. Prior to the descent, meteorological updates provided the crew with information regarding windshear warnings for runway 20 and visibility levels of 4 km, noting convective activity at 1,800 feet.
As the aircraft descended, the crew reached 810 feet, which was 100 feet above the minimum descent altitude. Despite the co-pilot failing to establish visual contact with the runway, the captain directed the continuation of the approach. While the aircraft was at 240 feet, the co-pilot noted the runway was visible but reported that all four PAPI lights were red. Following a deviation from the established descent profile, the captain assumed control of the aircraft. The plane then experienced a high rate of descent of 1,360 feet per minute, striking the ground 367 metres before the threshold of runway 07 and striking the localizer antenna for runway 25. The impact caused the partial separation of both main landing gear, and the aircraft slid approximately 850 metres before stopping on the left side of the runway.
All 129 occupants were successfully rescued, though 35 individuals sustained injuries. The aircraft was determined to be a total loss.
Findings
Investigation into the event highlights that the captain's decision to continue the approach despite a lack of visual contact and a deviation from the descent profile contributed to the impact.