1951-03-07: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer (59884) — United States Navy - USN — Rome-Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci, Italy

7 fatalitiesRome-Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci, ItalyLanding (descent or approach)

A flight traveling from Udine to Rome ended in a fatal sea impact near Fiumicino, resulting in seven fatalities and five survivors.

What happened

A flight departing from Udine-Campoformido Airport at 12:20 local time, destined for Rome-Ciampino, crashed into the Mediterranean Sea near Fiumicino. The aircraft was on a scheduled one-hour journey when it approached the Italian capital from the sea. During this final approach phase, the plane experienced an apparent loss of engine power, leading to its impact with the water. Upon striking the surface, the airframe split into two sections before eventually sinking.

Search and rescue operations following the accident confirmed that out of the twelve people on board, seven fatalities occurred. The remaining five crew members were successfully rescued from the site.

Findings

While the primary sequence of events indicates a loss of power during the approach to Rome, conflicting reports exist regarding the flight's origin. One account suggests the incident may have taken place shortly after an ascent from Athens-Hellenikon Airport, though the primary flight path documented began in Udine.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a loss of engine power while approaching the destination.