2 fatalities

Viscount Crashes During Simulated Emergency Landing at Ciampino (I-LIZT)

Rome-Ciampino, ItalyLanding (descent or approach)

On December 21, 1959, a Vickers Viscount (registration I-LIZT) operated by Alitalia - Linee Aeree Italiane was involved in an aviation accident near Rome-Ciampino, Italy during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was attributed to a balked landing manoeuvre carried out below the speed limits for safe directional control of the aircraft during a critical situation that developed in the last phase of the landing in the course of a simulated emergency… 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Viscount aircraft conducting a simulated two-engine-out emergency landing crashed short of runway 16R at Ciampino, striking the ground with its right wingtip and bursting into flames. Both pilots were killed.

Accident Overview

A Viscount aircraft was performing a semi-annual flight crew check involving a simulated two-engines-out emergency landing. The aircraft was approaching Ciampino's runway 16R with engines number 3 and 4 inoperative. Approximately 400 meters short of the runway threshold, the aircraft suddenly entered a right bank. It struck the ground with the right wingtip, crashed, and caught fire. Both pilots on board were killed.

Context of the Flight

The flight was part of a routine crew proficiency evaluation. The exercise simulated a scenario in which two of the aircraft's four engines were shut down. At the time of the accident, engines 3 and 4 were out, while engines 1 and 2 were operating.

Official Findings

The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, was a balked landing manoeuvre executed below the speed limits required for safe directional control during a critical situation. This situation developed in the final phase of the landing while conducting the simulated emergency exercise with two power units inoperative (number 3 and 4) and two operative (number 1 and 2).

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Dec 1959 Vickers Viscount accident near Rome-Ciampino, Italy?

A Viscount aircraft conducting a simulated two-engine-out emergency landing crashed short of runway 16R at Ciampino, striking the ground with its right wingtip and bursting into flames. Both pilots were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Dec 1959 Vickers Viscount accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Dec 1959 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration I-LIZT, operated by Alitalia - Linee Aeree Italiane, at Rome-Ciampino, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was attributed to a balked landing manoeuvre carried out below the speed limits for safe directional control of the aircraft during a critical situation that developed in the last phase of the landing in the course of a simulated emergency exercise with two power units inoperative (number 3 & 4) and two…