34 fatalities

Shanghai-Hongqiao Airport Aircraft Accident (B-3417)

Shanghai-Hongqiao, ChinaTakeoff (climb)

On August 15, 1989, an Antonov AN-24 (registration B-3417) operated by China Eastern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Shanghai-Hongqiao, China during takeoff. 34 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine shortly after rotation for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a river near Shanghai-Hongqiao Airport after a right engine failure during initial climb. Six passengers were rescued, while 34 occupants were killed.

Incident Overview and Location Details The accident occurred at Shanghai-Hongqiao Airport. The aircraft departed from runway 36 and was in the initial climb phase when the incident began. The crash site was located in a river situated near the end of the runway. The specific aircraft type, registration, operator, and exact date of the event are not provided in the source material. ## Engine Failure and Crash Sequence During the initial climb, the right engine of the aircraft failed. Following the engine failure, the aircraft lost altitude. The loss of height resulted in the aircraft crashing into the river near the runway end. The source does not specify the exact cause of the engine failure beyond stating it was for unknown reasons. ## Casualties and Rescue Operations The accident resulted in significant casualties. A total of 34 occupants were killed in the crash. In the aftermath of the incident, rescue operations were conducted, and six passengers were successfully rescued from the crash site. The total number of occupants on board is not explicitly stated, but the casualty figures indicate a significant loss of life.

Probable cause

Failure of the right engine shortly after rotation for unknown reasons.