What happened
On a foggy morning at Milan-Linate Airport, an SAS MD-87 was preparing for departure to Copenhagen. After receiving engine start and taxi clearances, the crew of the MD-87 was cleared for takeoff on runway 36R. Simultaneously, a Cessna 525A CitationJet 2, registration D-IEVX, was taxiing from the General Aviation apron toward the main runway.
While the MD-87 was accelerating down the runway, the pilot of the Cessna 525A mistakenly followed a diverging taxiway line, leading the aircraft to cross the runway holding sign and enter the active runway 18L/36R. As the MD-87 reached a speed of 146 knots, the crew likely spotted the smaller aircraft through the fog and applied significant nose-up elevator, resulting in a collision between the two aircraft. The impact caused the MD-87 to lose its right main landing gear leg and damaged the right wing, flaps, and the number 2 engine, which separated from the pylon.
Following the strike, the MD-87 remained airborne for approximately 12 seconds at a low altitude. However, the left engine suffered a loss of thrust due to debris ingestion. The aircraft subsequently descended sharply, making contact with the runway with its remaining gear and wingtip. The aircraft skidded across the airfield, crossing a service road before crashing into a baggage handling building, which suffered a partial collapse. There were 0 fatalities reported in the immediate collision, though the aircraft sustained heavy damage.
Findings
- The pilot of the Cessna 525A incorrectly navigated a taxiway split, which led the aircraft onto the active runway.
- Heavy fog significantly reduced visibility during the taxi and takeoff operations.
- The crew of the MD-87 attempted an evasive maneuver that contributed to the aircraft's subsequent loss of control and crash into the building.