16 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Strikes Hill on Approach to Matsu Nangan Airport (B-12256)

Matsu Nangan (Matsu Island), TaiwanLanding (descent or approach)

On August 10, 1997, a Dornier DO228 (registration B-12256) operated by Formosa Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Matsu Nangan (Matsu Island), Taiwan during landing or approach. 16 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft struck Jade Hill during final approach to Matsu Nangan Airport, disintegrating on impact. Fifteen occupants died, one female passenger was seriously injured, and the sole survivor later died. Visibility was low in rain; crew was attempting go-around.

Accident

During the final approach phase to Matsu Nangan Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck the top of Jade Hill, which is situated approximately one kilometer before the runway. The collision caused the aircraft to disintegrate.

Crew Actions

Reports indicate that the crew had begun a go-around procedure just prior to the aircraft impacting the hill.

Occupants

The accident resulted in the deaths of 15 of the occupants. In addition, one female passenger was seriously injured. One other person, described as the only survivor, later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Environmental Factors

At the time of the mishap, visibility was reduced to six kilometers due to rain.

Post-Accident Event

A few hours after the incident, the individual responsible for transmitting weather conditions to the flight crew committed suicide at the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Aug 1997 Dornier DO228 accident near Matsu Nangan (Matsu Island), Taiwan?

A twin-engine aircraft struck Jade Hill during final approach to Matsu Nangan Airport, disintegrating on impact. Fifteen occupants died, one female passenger was seriously injured, and the sole survivor later died. Visibility was low in rain; crew was attempting go-around.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Aug 1997 Dornier DO228 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 16 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Aug 1997 involved a Dornier DO228, registration B-12256, operated by Formosa Airlines, at Matsu Nangan (Matsu Island), Taiwan.