Incident
After departing from Kaohsiung Airport, the flight crew experienced a technical problem with the right engine while climbing. The captain informed ground control and received clearance to return for a safe landing. However, the captain quickly determined that the aircraft could not make it back to the airport, so he reduced altitude and attempted an emergency landing.
While flying at a low height over a densely wooded area, the aircraft went out of control and ultimately crashed in flames in an open field near Tainan. The crash occurred 12 minutes after takeoff. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all 36 occupants were killed. The flight was bound for Taipei-Songshan Airport.
Probable Cause
The official investigation concluded that the right engine failed in flight. For an undetermined reason, the crew was unable to feather the propeller, which was windmilling. This caused high drag and led to a loss of control.