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38 fatalities

Aircraft Crash Off Kinmen-Shang Yi Airport (3197)

Kinmen, Quemoy Island, ChinaTakeoff (climb)

On June 7, 1983, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration 3197) operated by Republic of China Air Force (Taiwan) was involved in an aviation accident near Kinmen, Quemoy Island, China during takeoff. 38 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine fire during initial climb for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from Kinmen-Shang Yi Airport due to a right engine fire during initial climb. Nine occupants were rescued, while 31 others were killed.

Incident Overview and Location Details The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft departed from Kinmen-Shang Yi Airport, which is located on Quemoy Island. The accident took place while the aircraft was in the initial climb phase of its flight. The crash site was in the sea, situated a few hundred meters off the shore. The source does not specify the exact date, aircraft type, registration, or operator of the involved aircraft. ## Accident Sequence and Casualties During the climb, the right engine of the aircraft caught fire. Following the engine fire, the aircraft lost altitude and subsequently crashed into the sea. The accident resulted in significant casualties. A total of nine occupants were rescued from the crash site, while 31 other occupants were killed. The source does not provide further details regarding the specific circumstances of the rescue operations or the identities of the victims.

Probable cause

Engine fire during initial climb for unknown reasons
In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jun 1983 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Kinmen, Quemoy Island, China?

An aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from Kinmen-Shang Yi Airport due to a right engine fire during initial climb. Nine occupants were rescued, while 31 others were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jun 1983 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 38 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jun 1983 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration 3197, operated by Republic of China Air Force (Taiwan), at Kinmen, Quemoy Island, China.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine fire during initial climb for unknown reasons

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