27 fatalities

Fatal Controlled Flight Into Terrain Incident in Poggiorsini (I-ATIR)

Poggiorsini, ItalyLanding (descent or approach)

On October 30, 1972, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration I-ATIR) operated by Aero Trasporti Italiani - ATI was involved in an aviation accident near Poggiorsini, Italy during landing or approach. 27 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed the accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 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 aircraft crashed in Poggiorsini during a night descent from Naples to Brindisi, killing all 27 occupants. The official investigation attributes the accident to a controlled flight into terrain.

Accident Overview

On the night of the incident, an aircraft departed Naples-Capodichino Airport at 2000 local time. The scheduled route was destined for Brindisi, with an intermediate stop planned at Bari-Palese Macchie Airport. During the descent phase, the flight encountered conditions characterized by limited visibility.

Crash Details

The airplane struck the ground and crashed in an open field located in Poggiorsini. This impact site is situated approximately 47 kilometers southwest of the threshold of runway 07. Upon collision with the terrain, the aircraft structure disintegrated completely. Tragically, all 27 individuals on board were killed in the accident.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation concluded that the event was a consequence of a controlled flight into terrain. This determination indicates that the aircraft remained under pilot control up to the point of impact with the ground, rather than suffering a mechanical failure or loss of aerodynamic control prior to the crash.

Probable cause

It is believed the accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain.