What happened
On 23 July 2014, TransAsia Airways flight GE222, an ATR72-212A registered B-22810, was conducting a regular public transport service from Kaohsiung to Magong in the Penghu archipelago. While performing a VOR non-precision approach to runway 20 under instrument meteorological conditions, the aircraft impacted terrain approximately 850 meters northeast of the runway threshold. Following the initial impact, the aircraft collided with a residential area in Xixi village. The impact and subsequent fire caused the deaths of most of the crew and passengers, with only 10 passengers surviving. Additionally, five residents on the ground sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) established that the aircraft was airworthy and under the control of the flight crew at the time of the accident. The inquiry focused on the crew's decision-making during the approach, the meteorological conditions caused by Typhoon Matmo, and the broader safety culture within TransAsia Airways. Investigators examined flight recorder data, which revealed that the crew failed to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and did not initiate a missed approach despite being unable to identify the runway environment.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), occurring because the captain intentionally descended the aircraft below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 330 feet without establishing the required visual references.
- The crew failed to initiate a missed approach at the missed approach point (MAPt), instead attempting to locate the runway for approximately 13 seconds while below the MDA.
- Heavy rain and thunderstorm activity from Typhoon Matmo significantly reduced visibility, with the runway visual range dropping to approximately 500 meters.
- There was a lack of effective crew coordination; the first officer did not challenge the captain's unauthorized descent or the deviation from the approach track.
- The investigation identified a systemic culture of non-compliance with SOPs within the airline's ATR fleet, exacerbated by factors such as pilot fatigue and inadequate safety management oversight.