Flight Plan and Departure
At 1508Z, aircraft I-LINC departed from Ciampino Airport in Rome under a VFR flight plan to Elba, with an IFR plan from Elba to Milan-Malpensa via airways A3 and A9. The intended route included flight over the Elba, Genoa, and Lombardia beacons at a cruising altitude of 10,500 feet. At 1520Z, the flight plan was amended from VFR to IFR.
Communications
Radio communications between the aircraft and Rome and Milan area controls were normal until approximately 1702Z, when the crew confirmed maintaining 9,500 feet as instructed by Milan ACC. After 1714Z, Milan control was unable to establish contact with I-LINC.
Accident
The aircraft crashed at approximately 1720Z on the northern slopes of Monte Giner. All 4 crew members and 17 passengers were killed instantly.
Probable Cause
The official investigation concluded that the change in route and resulting accident may be attributed to:
- The pilot did not follow the airways assigned in the flight plan, which constitutes a violation of flight rules,
- He did not check his direction and position along the new route,
- Unfavorable weather conditions and drift existed,
- There was a possibility of error in the navigational instruments.