What happened
A scheduled international cargo flight departed London Heathrow at 16:27 GMT, bound for Milan-Linate Airport. The flight proceeded normally until reaching the Milan TMA boundary. During the flight, the pilot requested a minor deviation to the southwest to bypass significant thunderstorm activity. Air traffic control subsequently adjusted the descent clearance to FL 130 to maintain separation from other aircraft in the area.
At approximately 19:03, the pilot reported an unplanned heading toward the Voghera VOR without prior authorization. Following this, the crew navigated through intense thunderstorm conditions near the Linate NDB. By 19:17, the pilot expressed significant uncertainty regarding the aircraft's exact position relative to the Linate NDB, noting that heavy electrical discharges from the storm were causing interference with radio beacons and making the ILS Outer Marker inaudible. The pilot also indicated difficulty maintaining situational awareness.
After descending to 2,000 feet, the crew ceased all communications with Milan Approach Control. Between 19:23 and 19:25, the aircraft type struck a hilltop at an altitude of 675 meters, located 35 NM from the threshold of runway 36. The accident resulted in one fatality and one injury among the crew.
Findings
The investigation determined that the crash was caused by a navigational error. This error stemmed from the crew's failure to take necessary bearings to verify their position despite the hazardous weather, as well as an insufficient utilization of the co-pilot's assistance during the flight.