Incident Overview
A twin-engine airplane operating a charter flight from Florence-Peretola Airport to Geneva-Cointrin Airport experienced an accident while landing at Bern-Belp Airport. The aircraft carried six passengers and one pilot. After diverting due to fuel concerns, the airplane struck the ground short of the runway during an unstable approach, resulting in substantial damage. All seven occupants evacuated without injury.
Flight and Diversion
The aircraft departed Florence-Peretola Airport with a planned destination of Geneva-Cointrin Airport. While cruising over the Alps at an altitude of 16,000 feet, the pilot assessed that fuel reserves were insufficient and requested a diversion. Air traffic control cleared the flight to divert to Bern-Belp Airport. The pilot had refueled the airplane at Geneva prior to departure because fuel was unavailable at Florence.
Approach and Accident
On final approach to runway 32, the aircraft was observed to be unstable, with an excessive rate of descent. The airplane struck the ground 29 meters short of the runway threshold. Upon impact, the aircraft went out of control and crashed onto the runway. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that both engines were operating properly at impact, ruling out fuel exhaustion. The official probable cause states that the accident was the consequence of an unstable approach completed with an excessive rate of descent in atmospheric turbulences. Published procedures require a 2° glideslope for runway 32.