Accident Description
On final approach to Rome-Ciampino Airport, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions. While descending through clouds at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the crew informed ground personnel about a fire on the right engine. It is believed that both right engines were on fire at this time. The pilot-in-command reduced altitude in an attempt to make an emergency landing. At a height of 650 feet, the airplane plunged into the earth and crashed in a huge explosion in a field located about six kilometers east of Ciampino Airfield. The four-engine aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 16 occupants were killed. A crater was seen at the point of impact, and debris were scattered over a wide area.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that technical issues or fire on both right engines were not confirmed. However, some unforeseen fact to which the aircraft was subjected resulted in a loss of control, causing it to enter a steep dive—probably due to wing drop in the clouds—and crash to the ground after an uncompleted pull-out. The Committee, while unable to affirm that wing drop could have been caused by atmospheric conditions, pointed out that there was pronounced turbulence in the area.