Accident Overview
On takeoff roll from Runway 36 at Yinchuan Airport, the pilot-in-command pulled the control column to rotate at Vr speed, but the aircraft did not respond. Due to a lack of crew coordination and inappropriate decisions, the crew did not abort the takeoff. After an extended ground roll, the nose gear lifted off, but the aircraft assumed a high nose attitude, causing the tail to strike the runway surface. The aircraft then overran the end of Runway 36, collided with various obstacles, and eventually crashed into a lake.
Injuries and Fatalities
Fifty-eight occupants were injured, and 55 others were killed, including one crew member.
Weather and Runway Information
Weather conditions were good, with an outside air temperature of +27°C and excellent visibility. Runway 36 is 2,160 metres long.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the accident was the consequence of a wrong takeoff configuration on the part of the crew. For unknown reasons, both leading edge and trailing edge flaps were not properly deployed for the takeoff procedure. Due to lack of coordination, the crew failed to perform cross-checks prior to departure and did not realize that the aircraft was not properly configured for takeoff. It was not established whether the flaps warning sounded prior to the accident.