Runway excursion during go-around at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport

No fatalities • Catania, Italy • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced instability during a night approach to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, leading to a runway excursion and significant damage.

What happened

During a night approach to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, the aircraft was on short final at an altitude of approximately 100 feet when it began to exhibit instability. In response to the flight conditions, the captain attempted a go-around by increasing power to both engines. Despite this maneuver, the aircraft continued its descent and impacted the runway surface with significant positive acceleration.

Following the impact with the runway, the left main landing gear failed. The aircraft subsequently slid along the runway for several hundred meters before the motion ceased. There were no injuries reported among the 84 occupants on board, though the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The aircraft became unstable during the final stages of the approach.
  • The failure to arrest the descent during the go-around attempt resulted in the aircraft striking the runway surface.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to maintain altitude during a go-around attempt, leading to a runway impact and gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-01-28 McDonnell Douglas MD-82 accident near Catania, Italy?

An aircraft experienced instability during a night approach to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, leading to a runway excursion and significant damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 1999-01-28 McDonnell Douglas MD-82 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-01-28 involved a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, registration I-DAVN, operated by Alitalia - Linee Aeree Italiane, at Catania, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to maintain altitude during a go-around attempt, leading to a runway impact and gear collapse.

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