Accident involving Vickers Viscount during training flight at Ciampino

2 fatalities • Rome-Ciampino, Italy • Landing (descent or approach)

A Vickers Viscount crashed during a simulated engine failure training exercise while approaching runway 16R at Ciampino, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

During a semi-annual flight crew proficiency check, a Vickers Viscount was performing a maneuver simulating an emergency landing with two engines inoperative. The aircraft was operating with engines number 3 and 4 shut down, relying solely on the remaining two power units.

As the aircraft approached runway 16R at Ciampino, it entered a sudden right bank approximately 400 meters before reaching the runway threshold. This maneuver led to the aircraft striking the ground with its right wingtip, which subsequently resulted in a crash and an intense fire. The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both pilots on board were killed.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the accident occurred during a balked landing attempt. The primary factor was that the maneuver was executed at a speed insufficient to maintain safe directional control of the aircraft. This loss of control developed during the final phase of the landing while the crew was managing the simulated emergency conditions involving the two inactive engines.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted a go-around maneuver at an airspeed too low to maintain directional stability while operating with two engines inoperative.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1959-12-21 Vickers Viscount accident near Rome-Ciampino, Italy?

A Vickers Viscount crashed during a simulated engine failure training exercise while approaching runway 16R at Ciampino, resulting in two fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1959-12-21 Vickers Viscount accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1959-12-21 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 pilot attempted a go-around maneuver at an airspeed too low to maintain directional stability while operating with two engines inoperative.

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