Aircraft impact near Taipei-Songshan Airport during positioning flight

4 fatalities • Taipei-Songshan, Taiwan • Landing (descent or approach)

A positioning flight crew lost control of their aircraft during a descent into Taipei, resulting in a fatal collision with a wooded hillside.

What happened

During a positioning flight traveling from Magong to Taipei, the crew of the aircraft was performing a descent toward Taipei-Songman Airport. As the flight approached its destination, the aircraft encountered adverse weather characterized by heavy rainfall, which significantly reduced visibility for the crew.

Although the minimum altitude for the descent had been established at 2,500 feet, the aircraft descended to an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet. During this low-altitude phase, the aircraft collided with the slope of a hill covered in trees, located roughly 20 km from the airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused four fatalities among the crew members.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in heavy rain and low-visibility conditions.
  • The aircraft descended significantly below the established minimum descent altitude of 2,500 feet.
  • The collision occurred with a wooded hillside during the approach phase.

Probable cause

The crew descended below the minimum safe altitude during a period of poor visibility and heavy rain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-01-30 ATR72-200 accident near Taipei-Songshan, Taiwan?

A positioning flight crew lost control of their aircraft during a descent into Taipei, resulting in a fatal collision with a wooded hillside.

Were there any fatalities in the 1995-01-30 ATR72-200 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-01-30 involved a ATR72-200, registration B-22717, operated by TransAsia Airways, at Taipei-Songshan, Taiwan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew descended below the minimum safe altitude during a period of poor visibility and heavy rain.

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