What happened
During the approach phase to Pleiku Airport, an aircraft collided with the slope of a mountain situated a short distance from the airfield. The wreckage was located approximately 15 meters below the peak of the mountain.
There were 32 fatalities in total following the impact. The passengers and crew included 14 soldiers from South Vietnam, 11 United States military personnel, and six employees from China Airlines, which comprised three mechanics and three members of the flight crew. Additionally, one civilian from South Vietnam was among the deceased.
Findings
Investigations into the accident indicated that the crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during the descent, leading to the collision with the terrain.