17 fatalities

17 Killed in Airplane Crash Near Rivolto Airbase (MM52-6018)

Rivolto, ItalyTakeoff (climb)

On April 25, 1970, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration MM52-6018) operated by Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana was involved in an aviation accident near Rivolto, Italy during takeoff. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control caused by the failure of the left engine during initial climb. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane crashed in a field near Rivolto Airbase after takeoff, killing 17 occupants including members of the Italian Army Ski Team and FIAT engineers, and seriously injuring two others. The probable cause was loss of control due to left engine failure.

Accident

After takeoff from Rivolto Airbase, the airplane was climbing initially when it suddenly went out of control. The aircraft plunged into an open field located a few kilometers from the airfield, causing a massive explosion.

Casualties

The accident resulted in two passengers being seriously injured. Seventeen other occupants were killed, and among the deceased were members of the Italian Army Ski Team, as well as engineers and technicians of the Aeronautical Military Division of the FIAT Group.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control brought about by the failure of the left engine during the initial climb. The left engine failure led to the loss of control, resulting in the crash.