Investigation Summary
On April 18, 2002, Luigi Fasulo departed Locarno, Switzerland, for a short flight to Milan's Linate Airport. During the approach, Fasulo contacted air traffic control to report a problem with the extension of the aircraft's landing gear. The Linate control tower instructed the pilot to enter a holding pattern to the west to resolve the issue, but the aircraft instead turned north toward the city center. The pilot's final communication indicated he was still attempting to fix the gear. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck the Pirelli Tower, the tallest building in Milan at the time, at the level of the 26th floor. The resulting explosion of the wing-mounted fuel tanks caused a fire that took several hours to contain. The investigation by the ANSV concluded the event was an accident, though the specific reason for the deviation into the city center while troubleshooting remained a primary point of concern.
Final Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the crash resulted from the pilot's inability to adequately manage the final phase of flight while facing technical and environmental issues. Causal factors included the landing gear malfunction, the pilot's discomfort due to a lack of recent operational flight practice, and ambiguities or inadequacies in radio communications between the pilot and air traffic control. The ANSV ruled out terrorism and considered suicide reasonably unlikely. The final report, N. A/18/02, was released on December 12, 2002.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Landing Gear
The pilot reported a 'small problem' lowering the gear, which led to the troubleshooting phase that preceded the crash.
Fuel System
The aircraft had a 257-litre fuel capacity; the tanks located in the wings exploded upon impact with the building's deck beams.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Rockwell Commander 112TC manufactured in 1976 (MSN 13014).
- 02The crash occurred only seven months after the September 11 attacks, causing immediate global financial market volatility.
- 03Approximately 300 people were in the building at the time of the crash, significantly fewer than the usual 1,300.
- 04The pilot had over 30 years of flying experience and held a commercial pilot's license.
- 05The impact occurred at a height of approximately 127 meters (415 feet).
- 06Between 30 and 70 people on the ground and in the building were injured.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Urban Overflight Restrictions
The accident highlighted the risks of general aviation aircraft deviating from standard approach paths over densely populated city centers during emergencies.