What happened
During a scheduled cargo operation traveling from Rome to Addis Ababa via Asmara, an aircraft experienced significant issues during its departure from runway 25 at Rome-Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Following a nighttime takeoff, the plane struggled to gain sufficient altitude. At an elevation of approximately 7 to 8 meters, the aircraft made contact with treetops before entering a stall.
The subsequent impact occurred in a forested region situated roughly 280 meters beyond the end of the runway. The force of the crash and a following fire resulted in the total destruction of the plane. There were five fatalities among the occupants, which included three crew members and two security personnel.
Findings
Investigations into the accident suggest that an error regarding mass and balance calculations may have contributed to the inability of the aircraft to climb effectively after departing the runway.