What happened
The incident occurred during the final approach to Shanghai-Longhua Airport under challenging meteorological conditions. Thick fog significantly reduced visibility for the incoming flight. At that time, another China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) DC-3 had already crashed in similar low-visibility conditions just two hours prior.
While on descent, the crew of the second aircraft attempted to establish visual contact with the ground. In an effort to improve their view of the runway environment, they reduced the aircraft's altitude. However, the plane struck the terrain before reaching the airfield. The DC-3 impacted a prairie located a few kilometers short of the runway.
The crash resulted in significant loss of life and injury. A total of thirty-one people were killed, comprising one crew member and thirty passengers. Additionally, five other occupants sustained serious injuries in the accident.