Aircraft ground impact during approach at Milan-Linate Airport

No fatalities • Milan-Linate, Italy • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold during a landing attempt at Milan-Linate Airport due to low visibility conditions.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward runway 36 at Milan-Linate Airport, the flight crew operated in environments characterized by heavy fog and significantly reduced visibility. As the aircraft reached the short final stage of its descent, a warning from the radio altimeter was triggered.

In response to the alert, the captain attempted a go-around procedure. However, the aircraft made contact with the terrain approximately 44 meters before reaching the runway threshold. The force of the impact resulted in the separation of the undercarriage from the airframe. Following the collision, the plane slid along its fuselage for several dozen meters across the runway surface before coming to a complete stop.

There were no fatalities among the 12 occupants on board, all of whom successfully evacuated the wreckage. While the passengers and crew escaped without injury, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor was that the crew maintained their approach below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) until the moment of ground contact.

Probable cause

The flight crew continued the approach below the prescribed minimum descent altitude despite visibility constraints.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1985-02-07 Canadair CL-601 Challenger accident near Milan-Linate, Italy?

An aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold during a landing attempt at Milan-Linate Airport due to low visibility conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1985-02-07 Canadair CL-601 Challenger accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-02-07 involved a Canadair CL-601 Challenger, registration N779XX, operated by TAG Aviation, at Milan-Linate, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight crew continued the approach below the prescribed minimum descent altitude despite visibility constraints.

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