What happened
A domestic scheduled service, performing a route from Kaohsiung to Hualien with an intermediate stop at Taitung, disappeared during its final leg. The flight departed Taitung at 1954 hours, with an expected arrival time in Kaohsiung of 2040 hours. After the aircraft failed to arrive as scheduled, air traffic controllers at Kaohsiung Airport attempted to contact the crew via radio but received no response. Following notification to the Taipei Area Control Centre, search efforts were initiated via radio communications, which also proved unsuccessful.
The following day, a T-33 from the Chinese Air Force Academy was deployed for a search mission. At 1855 hours, the wreckage was located at an elevation of 6,420 ft, situated at coordinates 22° 31'N - 120° 44' 45" E. The impact occurred at 2012 hours. The accident resulted in 24 fatalities, with no survivors.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the aircraft encountered severe atmospheric disturbances while operating under visual flight rules. While attempting to maneuver around cumulus clouds, the pilot changed course and entered an area of higher terrain. During this phase, the aircraft was caught in a downdraught and sudden turbulence, causing a rapid loss of altitude. This downward current forced the plane into the trees, leading to the fatal impact.