Airbus A319 ER-AXM Multiple Missed Approaches at Rome Fiumicino

Event Overview and Aircraft Details On 5 November 2017, at approximately 13:44 UTC, an Airbus A319-112 with registration ER-AXM, operated by Air Moldova, experienced a serious incident at Rome Fiumicino Airport (LIRF). The aircraft, identified as flight MLD891, was en route from Chișinău (LUKK) to Rome Fiumicino (LIRF) and was carrying 125 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft was equipped with two CFM56-5B6/P turbofan engines and had a maximum takeoff weight of 70,000 kg. ## Operational Sequence and Weather Conditions The flight encountered intense thunderstorm activity at the destination airport, which also affected the designated alternate, Rome Ciampino Airport (LIRA), located 15 nautical miles away. The crew initially attempted approaches to runway 16L and then runway 34L, both of which were missed. Following these missed approaches, the crew diverted to Bologna Airport (LIPE) but subsequently declared a fuel emergency and returned to Rome Fiumicino. A third approach to runway 16L was also missed. On the fourth attempt, the aircraft successfully landed on runway 16R using a visual circuit. ## Personnel and Safety Outcomes The flight crew consisted of a 43-year-old Moldovan captain with 11,250 total flight hours and a 24-year-old Moldovan first officer with 461 total flight hours. Both held valid licenses and ratings for the A320 family. No damage was reported to the aircraft, and there were no other damages or injuries. The investigation was conducted by the Italian National Agency for the Safety of Flight (ANSV) in accordance with EU Regulation 996/2010, with the sole objective of preventing future incidents rather than assigning blame.