Alitalia Flight 4128

Alitalia Flight 4128 was a scheduled flight from Leonardo da Vinci Airport, in Rome, Italy, to Palermo International Airport in Palermo, Italy, with 129 on board. On December 23, 1978, it crashed into the Tyrrhenian Sea about 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Palermo while on approach. The accident was attributed to the flight deck crew believing they were nearer to the runway than they actually were, and therefore making a premature descent. The initial part of the approach was instrumental until the flight was 2 miles from Palermo International Airport. The crew then stopped the descent at 150 feet above the sea, as though trying to locate the final approach area, thinking they were close to the runway because of the airport lights. In the final nine seconds the aircraft flew almost level with the sea at 150 knots; then, because of the wind, the aircraft lost its final altitude and impacted the water with its right wing. 21 passengers survived and were rescued by nearby fishing boats.[1]

Alitalia Flight 4128
I-DIKQ, Alitalia McDonnell Douglas DC-9, aircraft involved in the accident.
Accident
DateDecember 23, 1978
SummaryControlled flight into water, pilot error
SiteTyrrhenian Sea, off Palermo, Italy
38°12′28″N 13°06′32″E
Aircraft
Aircraft typeMcDonnell Douglas DC-9-32
Aircraft nameIsola di Stromboli
OperatorAlitalia
RegistrationI-DIKQ
Flight originLeonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome, Italy
DestinationPalermo International Airport, Palermo, Italy
Occupants129
Passengers124
Crew5
Fatalities108[1]
Injuries21
Survivors21

References
  1. Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 I-DIKQ Palermo". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 2017-10-13.
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