What happened
During a nighttime departure from runway 03 at Hualien Airport, the crew began an ascent phase. While climbing, the flight crew executed a left-hand turn. At an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet, the aircraft collided with the terrain in the Chiashan Mountain Range, situated roughly 10 km northwest of the airfield. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. There were 54 fatalities and no survivors among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the crash was a result of controlled flight into terrain. Several contributing factors led to this outcome:
- The crew did not adhere to the established departure route or published procedures for runway 03.
- A critical error occurred when the crew initiated a left turn, a maneuver that is only authorized for departures from runway 21; standard procedure for runway 03 requires a right turn over the ocean.
- Inadequate adherence to the departure route was the primary factor in the collision.
- Ineffective coordination between the flight crew members.
- Failure to complete the required pre-takeoff checklist.
- Insufficient visibility caused by nighttime operating conditions.
- Deficiencies in flight preparation prior to departure.