Hijacking and Explosion
During a flight from Đà Nẵng to Saigon, while cruising at 26,000 feet, three individuals entered the cockpit and ordered the pilot to divert to Hanoi. The captain attempted to explain that a diversion was not feasible and suggested making an intermediate stop at Phan Rang Airport. Shortly thereafter, two hand grenades detonated in the forward section of the cabin, causing extensive damage to the aircraft's control systems.
Approach and Crash
As the aircraft approached Phan Rang Airport, at an altitude of 1,000 feet, it assumed a nose-down attitude and subsequently crashed with a massive explosion in a rice paddy field located a few kilometers from the runway threshold. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, and all 75 people on board were killed.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the airplane became uncontrollable and crashed as a result of a hijacking situation and the explosion of two hand grenades aboard the aircraft.