Aircraft crash on Mount Capanne

11 fatalities • Mt Capanne (Elbe Island), Italy • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain slope on Elba Island during flight between the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a flight operating between the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, a twin engine aircraft collided with the side of Mt Capanne. The impact occurred on the western portion of Elba Island at an elevation of 728 meters. At the time of the collision, weather conditions were marginal, characterized by low visibility caused by heavy cloud cover. This lack of visibility prevented the crew from identifying the mountain terrain in their flight path.

The crash resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the loss of all 11 fatalities on board. The occupants included the pilot, a co-pilot, two flight attendants, and seven passengers.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the crew was operating the flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite being in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). This decision to fly under VFR while unable to maintain visual contact with the ground or horizon was a primary factor in the collision.

Probable cause

The crew attempted to operate under visual flight rules while flying in instrument meteorological conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1960-10-14 De Havilland DH.114 Heron accident near Mt Capanne (Elbe Island), Italy?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain slope on Elba Island during flight between the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1960-10-14 De Havilland DH.114 Heron accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 11 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1960-10-14 involved a De Havilland DH.114 Heron, registration I-AOMU, operated by Aerolinee Itavia, at Mt Capanne (Elbe Island), Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew attempted to operate under visual flight rules while flying in instrument meteorological conditions.

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