Linate Airport Disaster: A Perfect Storm of Mistakes

The Linate Airport Disaster: A Perfect Storm of Mistakes

On October 8, 2001, a tragic aviation accident occurred at Linate Airport in Milan, Italy. A Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) MD-87, flight SK 686, collided with a Cessna Citation CJ2, flight LX-961, on takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all 114 people on board both aircraft and four people on the ground.

The disaster was a result of a perfect storm of mistakes, including miscommunications, unorthodox taxiway procedures, and inadequate lighting. The investigation revealed that the SAS MD-87 was cleared for takeoff on runway 35L, but the Cessna Citation CJ2 was also cleared to taxi onto the same runway. The two aircraft collided at a high speed, resulting in an immediate and catastrophic fire.

Contributing Factors

• Miscommunication: The investigation found that there was a breakdown in communication between the air traffic controllers and the pilots of both aircraft. The controllers had not realized that both aircraft were on the same runway, and the pilots did not receive clear instructions on how to proceed.
• Unorthodox Taxiway Procedures: The Cessna Citation CJ2 was using a taxiway that was not authorized for its type of aircraft. This unorthodox procedure led to the pilot being unaware of the presence of the SAS MD-87 on the runway.
• Inadequate Lighting: The lighting on the runway and taxiways was inadequate, making it difficult for the pilots to see each other. The investigation found that the runway lighting was not working properly, and the taxiway lighting was insufficient to allow the pilots to identify the aircraft on the runway.

Aftermath and Lessons Learned

The Linate Airport disaster was a devastating event that resulted in the loss of many lives. The investigation into the crash led to a number of changes in aviation safety procedures, including:

• Improved Communication: Air traffic control procedures were revised to ensure that there is clear and unambiguous communication between controllers and pilots.
• Standardized Taxiway Procedures: The use of unauthorized taxiways was prohibited, and standardized taxiway procedures were implemented to prevent similar accidents from occurring.
• Enhanced Lighting: Runway and taxiway lighting was improved to ensure that pilots have adequate visibility.
• Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS): The GPWS is a safety system that warns pilots of potential collisions with the ground or other aircraft. The system was not in use on the Cessna Citation CJ2 at the time of the crash, but it was later mandated for all aircraft.

The Linate Airport disaster is a stark reminder of the importance of aviation safety. The accident highlighted the need for rigorous safety procedures, clear communication, and adequate lighting to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Conclusion

The Linate Airport disaster was a preventable tragedy that was caused by a combination of factors. The investigation into the crash led to significant changes in aviation safety procedures, and these changes have helped to make air travel safer for everyone. It is important to remember the lessons learned from this disaster and to continue working to improve aviation safety.