Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft operating a regular scheduled service from Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport to Florence-Peretola Airport was involved in an accident during landing. The aircraft carried 14 passengers and three crew members.
On approach to runway 23 at Florence-Peretola Airport, the aircraft's speed was excessively high. After touchdown, it bounced several times and landed firmly approximately 350 metres from the far end of the runway. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran the runway, traversed fences, collided with an embankment, and came to rest on the emergency lane of the Florence-Pisa motorway. The impact caused the aircraft to break into two sections, and the cockpit was destroyed.
Occupant Injuries and Evacuation
All 15 individuals seated in the main cabin—14 passengers and the stewardess—evacuated with minor injuries. Both pilots sustained serious injuries; two days later, one of the pilots died from these injuries.
Findings and Probable Cause
Official investigation identified the following findings:
- Weather conditions were good with light wind.
- The pilot acting as captain was flying this route for the first time and made his first landing at Peretola Airport.
- Florence-Peretola Airport runway 23 is 1,650 metres long but has a displaced threshold, reducing the landing distance available to 1,030 metres.
- The copilot was the pilot-in-command at the time of the accident. He was also a captain and could operate as an instructor.
- The approach configuration was incorrect: the aircraft's touchdown speed was 30 knots above the speed prescribed in the flight manuals.
- The crew failed to initiate a go-around procedure while the landing manoeuvre was obviously missed.