Incident
On an afternoon departure from Rome-Ciampino Airport, an aircraft was en route to Manston, Kent, with an intermediate stop planned at Lyon-Bron Airport. While cruising at an altitude of 8,500 feet over the Italian Alps, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. At 1750 local time, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain. The aircraft failed to arrive in Lyon, prompting search and rescue operations. The wreckage was discovered one week later in an isolated area approximately 12 kilometers west of Limone Piemonte, east of the Argentera Mountain Range. The impact destroyed the aircraft and killed all 21 occupants.
Investigation and Findings
Investigators determined that the crew had not prepared the flight properly and did not follow established procedures. For reasons unknown, the altitude listed on the flight plan was 8,200 feet, which was insufficient for safe passage over the Alps. Additionally, a 13-degree discrepancy was noted in the heading, or flight path, possibly resulting from the crew mistaking the Poretta and Bastia beacons, which are located close to each other. Meteorological analysis indicated a wind blowing at 45 knots from the southwest, which likely contributed to the aircraft's deviation from the prescribed flight path.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause determined that the crew failed to prepare the flight properly and according to procedures. The altitude mentioned on the flight plan, 8,200 feet, was insufficient to pass over the Alps. A gap of 13 degrees in the heading was noted, possibly due to the crew mistaking the Poretta and Bastia beacons. Additionally, a wind blowing at 45 knots from the southwest probably contributed to deviating the aircraft from the prescribed flight path.