What happened
During a nighttime flight originating from Rome-Fiumicino Airport, the crew began their descent toward Palermo-Punta Raisi. While performing the approach, the four-engine aircraft collided with the slope of Mt Longa, situated approximately 7 km south of the destination airport and west of Carini. The impact occurred near the 600-meter summit of the mountain, causing the plane to break apart upon hitting the terrain.
At the time of the crash, meteorological conditions were unfavorable, with visibility restricted to 5 km and a cloud base descending to 1,500 feet. The accident resulted in 115 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the disaster identified several critical errors during the approach phase. It was concluded that the crew initiated their descent too early, which led to the aircraft dropping below the required minimum descent altitude. The investigation also highlighted improper IFR procedures and a failure by the crew to adhere to specific air traffic control instructions. Additionally, the reduced visibility caused by the prevailing weather conditions served as a contributing factor to the controlled flight into terrain.