What happened
On March 21, 2022, China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735 was operating a domestic route connecting Kunming Changshui International Airport with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800. At approximately 14:23 China Standard Time, while en route, the plane experienced a sudden and steep descent during mid-flight. It subsequently impacted the terrain at high velocity in Teng County, located within the Wuzhou region of Guangxi province. The impact resulted in the total loss of the aircraft and the lives of everyone on board, comprising 132 passengers and crew members. This incident stands as the deadliest aviation accident to occur in 2022, the most fatal crash involving China Eastern Airlines, and ranks as the third-deadliest aviation disaster in Chinese history.
Investigation
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) assumed responsibility for conducting the official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities focused on determining the precise sequence of events that led to the uncontrolled descent and subsequent impact.
Findings
The primary outcome of the event was the catastrophic loss of life, with no survivors reported among the 132 passengers and crew. The investigation aimed to establish the technical and operational factors contributing to the aircraft's departure from its flight path.