5 fatalities

Executive Flight from London Strikes Antenna and Crashes into House on Approach to Forli (I-AIFA)

Forli, ItalyLanding (descent or approach)

On December 10, 1979, a Learjet 36 (registration I-AIFA) operated by Ferruzzi was involved in an aviation accident near Forli, Italy during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

An executive flight from London to Forli crashed on approach, striking a TV antenna and then a house. All three on board and two on ground were killed. Night and poor visibility due to heavy rain were present, and the ILS glideslope was inoperative.

Incident Overview

An executive flight departed London carrying two pilots and one passenger, Mr. Serafino Ferruzzi, founder and owner of the Italian Group Ferruzzi S.p.A. The destination was Forli Airport. The approach was initiated under night conditions with poor weather.

Approach and Collision

During the approach to runway 12, on short final, the crew failed to realize that the altitude was too low. The left wing of the airplane struck a TV antenna located on top of a hill, approximately 2,300 meters short of the runway 12 threshold. Following the impact, the airplane lost height and crashed into a house.

Weather and Navigation Aids

At the time of the accident, horizontal visibility was limited to 300 meters due to heavy rainfall. Additionally, the ILS glideslope for runway 12 was inoperative.

Occupants and Ground Victims

All three people on board the aircraft were killed: pilot Enzo Villani, copilot Roberto Cases, and passenger Serafino Ferruzzi. Two people in the house also lost their lives: Fiorella Ricci and Libero Ricci.