Alitalia Flight 112 crashes into Mount Longa near Palermo, Sicily, killing all 115 aboard, making it the deadliest single-aircraft disaster in Italy.

The Tragic Flight of Alitalia 112: A Legacy Etched in Italian Aviation History

On May 5, 1972, a routine domestic journey across Italy took a catastrophic turn, forever marking a somber chapter in the nation's aviation records. Alitalia Flight 112, a scheduled service, had departed from Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome, the bustling capital, bound for Palermo International Airport on the island of Sicily. Aboard the aircraft were 115 individuals, comprising both passengers and crew, anticipating a standard flight to their destination.

The Fateful Approach to Palermo

As the aircraft commenced its descent and approach towards Palermo, a region characterized by its stunning but often challenging mountainous terrain, tragedy struck. Approximately three miles (or 4.8 kilometers) southwest of the airport, the flight, still preparing for landing, crashed into Mount Longa. The impact occurred during a critical phase of flight, where precision and adherence to established procedures are paramount. The sudden loss of the aircraft left a profound shockwave across Italy and the international aviation community.

Investigative Findings and Contributing Factors

Subsequent investigations into the disaster pointed to a confluence of factors, primarily focusing on the challenging weather conditions and critical decisions made in the cockpit. Investigators concluded that visibility at the time of the approach was significantly reduced, estimated to be around three miles. Crucially, it was believed that the flight crew did not strictly adhere to the established vectors – specific headings and altitudes – issued by air traffic control (ATC). ATC vectors are essential navigational guidance provided to pilots to ensure safe separation from terrain and other aircraft, particularly during instrument approaches in poor visibility. This non-adherence, coupled with the limited visibility in mountainous terrain, strongly indicated a case of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), where an airworthy aircraft is inadvertently flown into land, water, or an obstacle.

A Grim Legacy in Italian Aviation

The loss of Alitalia Flight 112 remains a harrowing benchmark in Italian aviation history. It stands as the deadliest single-aircraft disaster ever to occur within Italy's borders. While the Linate Airport disaster in 2001, a collision involving multiple aircraft on the ground, claimed more lives overall, Flight 112's distinction as the worst single-plane accident underscores its unique and tragic impact. For Alitalia, the national flag carrier, this incident represents the darkest day in its operational history, a somber reminder of the inherent risks in air travel and the critical importance of safety protocols.

Remembrance and Lasting Impact

In the wake of such a profound loss, the need for remembrance and a place for solace became apparent. A memorial has since been erected at the site of the crash on Mount Longa. This memorial serves as a poignant tribute to the 115 lives lost, offering a place for families, friends, and the wider community to reflect and honor those who perished on that fateful day. It stands as a perpetual reminder of the tragedy and the lessons learned in the continuous pursuit of aviation safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Alitalia Flight 112?
Alitalia Flight 112 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport to Palermo International Airport in Sicily, Italy.
When did the Alitalia Flight 112 crash occur?
The crash occurred on May 5, 1972.
How many people were on board Alitalia Flight 112?
There were 115 people on board, including passengers and crew members, all of whom perished in the accident.
Where exactly did Alitalia Flight 112 crash?
The aircraft crashed into Mount Longa, approximately three miles (4.8 km) southwest of Palermo, while on its approach to Palermo International Airport.
What was determined to be the primary cause of the Alitalia Flight 112 crash?
Investigators concluded that the crew, operating in conditions of limited visibility (estimated at three miles), did not adhere to the established vectors issued by air traffic control (ATC), leading to the aircraft striking mountainous terrain. This is often categorized as Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).
What does "Controlled Flight Into Terrain" (CFIT) mean?
CFIT refers to an accident where an airworthy aircraft, under the control of the pilot, is inadvertently flown into land, water, or an obstacle, usually without the crew being aware of the impending collision until it is too late.
What is the significance of the Alitalia Flight 112 crash in Italian aviation history?
It remains the deadliest single-aircraft disaster in Italy and the worst incident in Alitalia's history. It is also the second-deadliest aviation disaster overall in Italy, behind the Linate Airport disaster in 2001, which involved a ground collision.
Is there a memorial for the victims of Alitalia Flight 112?
Yes, a memorial has been erected at the site of the crash on Mount Longa to honor the lives lost.