On February 24, 1949, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VR-HDG) operated by Cathay Pacific Airways (Cathay) was involved in an aviation accident near Hong Kong-Kai Tak, China during landing or approach. 23 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with terrain during a go-around maneuver executed in poor visibility conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Aircraft struck a mountain slope near Braemar Reservoir while executing a go-around in poor visibility, resulting in the deaths of all 23 occupants.
What happened
The flight was on final approach to Hong Kong-Kai Tak Airport from the southern direction. The crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions that resulted in significantly limited visibility. Due to these restrictive conditions, the captain initiated a go-around maneuver. During this phase of flight, the aircraft collided with the slope of a mountain situated near the Braemar Reservoir. This impact occurred approximately 3 kilometers southwest of the threshold for runway 31.
The collision resulted in the loss of life for all 23 occupants on board. No survivors were reported from this incident.
Probable cause
Collision with terrain during a go-around maneuver executed in poor visibility conditions.
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