Aircraft crash near Mt Sinnai following structural failure

19 fatalities • Cagliari, Italy • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into Mt Sinnai shortly after departing Cagliari-Elmas Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 19 people on board.

What happened

Shortly after departing from Cagliari-Elmas Airport, an aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent during its initial climb. The plane plummeted into the terrain at Mt Sinnai, situated approximately 15 km northwest of the departure airfield. The impact with the ground resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused 19 fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the accident was precipitated by a catastrophic structural failure. During the climb, the left wing separated from its root, leading to the loss of flight control. While investigators determined that the wing detachment was triggered by an improper aircraft attitude, they could not definitively conclude whether this maneuver was executed by the crew or if the plane had been subjected to severe turbulence or sudden downdrafts.

Probable cause

The left wing detached from the aircraft due to structural failure caused by an improper flight attitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-01-26 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Cagliari, Italy?

An aircraft crashed into Mt Sinnai shortly after departing Cagliari-Elmas Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 19 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-01-26 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 19 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-01-26 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration I-LAIL, operated by Linee Aeree Italiane - LAI, at Cagliari, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The left wing detached from the aircraft due to structural failure caused by an improper flight attitude.

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