Accident Overview
While descending to Kuala Lumpur-Subang Airport on a flight from Tokyo via Hong Kong, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility. On final approach, the captain descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The four-engine airplane subsequently struck tree tops and crashed in a rubber plantation located approximately 6 km from runway 15 threshold.
Damage and Casualties
The aircraft broke into several pieces upon impact. A total of 34 occupants were killed, including eight crew members. All 45 other people on board were injured.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the accident was caused by the captain descending below minimum descent altitude without having the runway in sight, and continuing the descent until the aircraft struck terrain four nautical miles short of the runway threshold. A subsidiary contributory factor was insufficient monitoring of the aircraft's flight path by the captain under the adverse weather conditions with several aircraft in the holding pattern awaiting their turn for approach and, more importantly, the co-pilot's failure to challenge the captain's breach of company regulations.