Incident Overview
While on final approach to Nha Trang from Saigon, the flight crew reported an onboard explosion to air traffic control (ATC). The pilot also noted that control forces had become heavy due to a failure in the hydraulic system. Consequently, the landing gear could not be deployed automatically and required manual lowering.
Approach and Landing Maneuvers
To verify the status of the undercarriage, the captain coordinated with ATC to perform a low pass over the runway. Following this check, the crew proceeded with a landing characterized by a high nose attitude and no flaps extended. The aircraft touched down just beyond the runway threshold.
Post-Touchdown Events
Immediately after touchdown, the crew activated the reverse thrust systems. This action generated sufficient lift to cause the airplane to become airborne again. The pilots subsequently closed the throttles, allowing the aircraft to land a second time further down the runway. However, the remaining distance was insufficient for the aircraft to stop.
Crash and Casualties
The plane overran the end of the runway, striking a concrete pylon and several other obstacles before coming to rest in a populated area. A post-crash fire destroyed the airframe. The incident resulted in the deaths of ten passengers on board and twenty-four individuals on the ground.
Investigation Findings
Official investigations determined that a bomb concealed in the front left lavatory detonated during flight. This explosion created a 1.5-meter hole in the fuselage and severed hydraulic lines, leading to the system failure described by the crew.