Investigation Summary
The accident occurred in thick fog with visibility less than 200 meters. The Cessna Citation (D-IEVX) was instructed to taxi via taxiway 'R5' but instead turned into taxiway 'R6', which led directly to the active runway. Because the airport's ground radar system was non-functional and the taxiway markings were non-standard and faded, the controller was unaware of the Cessna's actual position. The MD-87 was at high speed on its takeoff roll when it struck the Cessna. The impact sheared off the MD-87's right main gear and damaged the right engine. The pilot, Joakim Gustafsson, attempted to maintain control, but the aircraft impacted a hangar at 257 km/h.
Final Conclusions
The primary cause was the Cessna's entry onto the active runway, facilitated by deficient airport infrastructure including non-compliant signs and markings. Contributing factors included the lack of a functioning ground movement radar, the failure of the controller to recognize the Cessna's position from its radio transmissions, and the high-pressure environment created by heavy fog.
Video Analysis
The Linate Airport Disaster | Disaster Breakdown — An analysis of the 2001 runway collision between an SAS MD-87 and a Cessna Citation in Milan, Italy.
Watch on YouTube ↗If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Systems & Failure Modes
Ground Movement Radar
A surveillance system intended to track aircraft on the ground; it was offline at the time of the accident.
ASMGCS
Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System, which was missing or inadequate at Linate in 2001.
Runway Stop Bars
Red lights used to prevent aircraft from entering a runway without authorization; these were not present on taxiway R6.
Interesting Facts
- 01The ground radar system had been delivered months prior but was not yet operational.
- 02Taxiway R6, which the Cessna used, was not equipped with stop bars or clear signage to prevent runway incursions.
- 03All 110 people on the MD-87 and 4 on the Cessna perished, plus 4 ground workers.
- 04The airport was operating under Category III weather conditions (low visibility).
- 05The MD-87 pilot successfully deployed thrust reversers and brakes in a futile attempt to stop after the collision.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Infrastructure Upgrades
Linate Airport installed fully operational ground radar and standardized all taxiway markings and signs to ICAO specifications.
Operational Procedures
Revised ATC procedures to require more explicit position reporting from pilots during low-visibility operations.