Aircraft crash on Mt Crezzo following severe icing

37 fatalities • Mt Crezzo, Italy • Flight

An aircraft crashed into the slope of Mt Crezzo after encountering extreme icing conditions during its climb from Milan-Linate Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

Approximately 15 minutes after departing from Milan-Linate Airport, an aircraft was climbing toward an altitude of 14,700 feet when it entered areas of intense icing. While maintaining a steady airspeed of 133 knots, the flight crew experienced a series of severe oscillations. The aircraft initially rolled 41 degrees to the right, followed by a left roll reaching 100 degrees. Subsequent movements included a right roll of 105 degrees and a final left roll of 135 degrees.

Following these uncontrolled movements, the aircraft's nose pitched downward, leading to an impact on the side of Mt Crezzo, situated roughly 50 km north of the departure airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were 37 fatalities among the occupants of the flight.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the primary factor was the loss of longitudinal control caused by severe icing. Additionally, the lack of experience within the flight crew was noted as a contributing element to the sequence of events.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost longitudinal controllability due to the presence of extreme icing conditions during the climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-10-15 ATR42-300 accident near Mt Crezzo, Italy?

An aircraft crashed into the slope of Mt Crezzo after encountering extreme icing conditions during its climb from Milan-Linate Airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1987-10-15 ATR42-300 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 37 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-10-15 involved a ATR42-300, registration I-ATRH, operated by Aero Trasporti Italiani - ATI, at Mt Crezzo, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost longitudinal controllability due to the presence of extreme icing conditions during the climb.

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