Flight AZ660 Collision with Terrain Near Milan (I-DIWF)

Flight Details and Approach Sequence Flight AZ660 departed Rome-Fiumicino Airport, Italy, at 13:15, with an intermediate stop planned at Milan-Malpensa Airport. The aircraft climbed in visual meteorological conditions to the en route altitude of FL220, and the en route portion of the flight was uneventful. While descending to the south of the airport and preparing for an approach to runway 35, the aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions with heavy turbulence due to a thunderstorm in the area. At approximately 13:59, the flight was cleared from 9,000 feet down to 4,000 feet for a straight-in approach. Three minutes later, the pilot advised that he would make a 360-degree turn over the beacon as the aircraft was at 6,000 feet. On completion of the turn, at an altitude of 1,500 feet, the flight continued on runway heading and descending. ## Accident and Casualties At 14:06, the flight crew became unsure of their position, and almost immediately the aircraft struck a wooded hillside 11.5 km north of Milan runway 35. The impact forces and a post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft. Thirteen passengers were killed, 22 others were injured, and 60 people were uninjured.