Twin-engine turboprop crash into Keelung River

43 fatalities • Taipei-Songshan, Taiwan • Takeoff (climb)

A twin-engine turboprop aircraft crashed into a bridge and the Keelung River following an engine failure during its initial climb, resulting in numerous fatalities.

What happened

At 10:52 local time, a twin turboprop departed from runway 10. During the climb to an altitude of 1,200 feet, the crew issued a mayday distress call reporting an engine flameout. Following this engine failure, the aircraft entered a stall and experienced a sharp left bank, reaching an angle of 90 degrees. The aircraft subsequently struck a concrete bridge barrier spanning the Keelung River. The impact also involved a taxi located on the bridge. After hitting the barrier, the aircraft fell into the river, where it was destroyed.

In the aftermath of the accident, it was confirmed that 40 fatalities occurred among the occupants, while 15 individuals were successfully rescued. Three people remain unaccounted for. Additionally, the two occupants of the taxi on the bridge sustained injuries.

Findings

Preliminary investigations indicate that the master warning system was triggered during the early climb phase after the left engine was throttled back. Shortly after this event, the right engine underwent auto-feathering, and the stall alarm was activated. Visual evidence from the crash site suggests that the left engine was windmilling at the moment of impact with the bridge structure.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered a sequence of engine failures during climb, leading to an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-02-04 ATR72-600 accident near Taipei-Songshan, Taiwan?

A twin-engine turboprop aircraft crashed into a bridge and the Keelung River following an engine failure during its initial climb, resulting in numerous fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-02-04 ATR72-600 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 43 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-02-04 involved a ATR72-600, registration B-22816, operated by TransAsia Airways, at Taipei-Songshan, Taiwan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft suffered a sequence of engine failures during climb, leading to an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.

Loading the flight search…