Background
On October 31, 2000, at 1517 UTC (2317 local time), Singapore Airlines Flight SQ006, a Boeing 747-400 registered as 9V-SPK, departed from Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) International Airport in Taoyuan, Taiwan, bound for Los Angeles International Airport. The flight carried 3 flight crew, 17 cabin crew, and 159 passengers. Heavy rain and strong winds from Typhoon Xangsane prevailed at the time.
Accident Sequence
During takeoff, the aircraft collided with construction equipment and runway construction pits on Runway 05R, which was partially closed. The collision and subsequent post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft. The accident resulted in 83 fatalities (4 cabin crew and 79 passengers), 39 serious injuries (4 cabin crew and 35 passengers), and 32 minor injuries (1 flight crew, 9 cabin crew, and 22 passengers).
Investigation
The Aviation Safety Council (ASC) of Taiwan, Republic of China, launched an investigation under Article 84 of the ROC Civil Aviation Law and ICAO Annex 13. Accredited representatives from Singapore (Ministry of Communications and Information Technology), the United States (National Transportation Safety Board), and Australia (Australian Transport Safety Bureau) participated. The on-scene investigation concluded on November 13, 2000. Factual data were verified in a meeting on February 20, 2001, and a factual report was released on February 23, 2001. The analysis phase began March 1, 2001. A technical review meeting was held July 4-5, 2001. A preliminary draft report was issued September 30, 2001, and a final draft on January 31, 2002. The final report was approved on April 23, 2002.
Findings
The investigation categorized findings into three groups: findings related to probable causes, findings related to risks, and other findings. The report emphasized that its purpose is to prevent future accidents, not to apportion blame or liability.
Safety Recommendations
Safety recommendations were issued to relevant organizations. The report also lists safety actions taken or being undertaken by Singapore's MCIT and Taiwan's CAA.