What happened
On October 31, 2000, at approximately 23:17 local time, Singapore Airlines Flight 006, a Boeing 747-400 bearing registration 9V-SPK, was attempting takeoff from Runway 05L at Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) International Airport in Taoyuan, Taiwan. The flight was a scheduled passenger service bound for Los Angeles International Airport.
At the time of the accident, the airport was experiencing severe weather due to Typhoon Xangsane, characterized by heavy rain, strong winds, and low visibility. During the taxi phase, the aircraft inadvertently entered Runway 05R, which was partially closed for construction work. The crew commenced the takeoff roll on this closed section of the runway. As the aircraft accelerated, it collided with construction equipment and runway pits located on the closed portion of the runway. The impact and subsequent post-crash fire resulted in 83 fatalities and numerous injuries.
The investigation
The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) conducted an investigation involving representatives from Singapore, the United States, and Australia. The investigation examined the aircraft's movement during taxi, the crew's navigation of the airport layout, and the impact of environmental conditions on decision-making. Investigators reviewed airport charts, NOTAMs regarding runway closures, and the cockpit's situational awareness during the approach to the departure runway.