What happened
During an approach toward Ho Chi Minh-City Airport, the flight crew encountered meteorological conditions that were below established minimums. Despite these visibility constraints, the captain elected to proceed with the landing attempt. While on short final, the aircraft drifted from its intended approach path, causing the right main landing gear to impact the ground approximately 114 meters before the runway threshold. This impact resulted in the separation of the right main gear and caused structural damage to the right outer wing, the number four propeller, and both hydraulic systems.
Following the initial incident, the crew opted to divert the flight to Cam Ranh Bay Airport. During the subsequent landing at the diversion airport, the crew feathered the number one propeller. After making contact with the runway, the aircraft veered toward the left side of the pavement, striking various obstacles. The collision caused the aircraft to burst into flames. The accident resulted in 31 fatalities and 3 injuries.