Alitalia – Mcdonnel Douglas – DC9-32 (I-ATJA) flight AZ404

by | Nov 14, 1990 | Aviation Accident | 0 comments

Alitalia flight AZ404 departed from Milan – Linate airport on the 14th November 1990 at 1836 hrs with the destination Zürich. After a problem-free flight, the crew were cleared by Zürich Approach to descend to 4000 ft (QNH) and to make an approach on the ILS 14.

Alitalia - Mcdonnel Douglas - DC9-32 (I-ATJA) flight AZ404

Alitalia flight AZ404 – engine of DC9-32 (I-ATJA)

At 14 NM from the threshold of RWY 14, the aircraft of Alitalia flight AZ404 captured the localiser 14 and at about 11.5 NM descended through the cleared altitude of 4000 ft, instead of, as prescribed, leaving it when intercepting the glide path at 8 NM.

Alitalia flight AZ404 descended with a constant rate of descent during the whole final approach, about 1400 ft below the correct glide path. At 1911 hrs, 5.2 NM from runway 14, the aircraft first struck the trees, and then the surface of the wooded north-face of the Stadlerberg.

After the collision a fire started. The 40 passengers and 6 crew members were fatally injured, the aircraft was destroyed. There was also considerable damage to the forest.

Alitalia flight AZ404 : F/O said “ …it doesn’t quite add up [ … ] go around !” and Captain “no no no, follow the glide(18 sec. before impact ).

The accident was caused by:

  • False indication of VHF NAV unit No 1 in the aircraft.
  • Probable altimeter misreading by the PIC.
  • No GPWS warning in the cockpit.
  • Pilots not aware of the possibility of incorrect indications in the NAV equipment in use (without flag-alarm).
  • Inadequate failure analysis by the pilots.
  • Non-compliance by the pilots with basic procedural instructions during the approach.
  • Unsuitable cooperation (CRM) between the pilots during the approach.
  • COPI’s initiated go-around procedure aborted by the PIC.
  • The Approach Controller not observing the leaving of the cleared altitude of 4000 ft QNH before the FAP.

 

Download Report

For Alitalia flight AZ404 there is a short “side” report, on the chain of alert, timing of rescue and how the rescue was managed and carried out.

Download Rescue report

 

Alitalia – Mcdonnel Douglas – DC9-32 (I-ATJA) flight AZ404

Tags related to this event: AlitaliaApproachCFITCRMDC9DouglasHuman FactorILSKlotenSOPSwitzerland
Event date: 19901114
Airline / Operator:ALITALIA
Model: DC9-32
Make: MCDONNEL DOUGLAS
Registration: I-ATJA
msn: 47641
Location: Switzerland, Kloten

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