No fatalities

Three-Engine Aircraft Overruns Runway at Guilin Airport (B-2208)

Guilin, ChinaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 22, 1990, a Hawker Siddeley HS.121 Trident (registration B-2208) operated by Air China was involved in an aviation accident near Guilin, China during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was attributed to a wrong approach configuration. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered B-2208
Aircraft registered B-2208. Photo: Aeroprints.com / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A three-engine aircraft overran the runway at Guilin Airport following a wrong approach configuration, resulting in substantial damage and safe evacuation of all 107 occupants.

Incident Details

A three-engine aircraft conducting landing operations at Guilin Airport experienced a runway overrun after touching down too far along the runway. The approach was made with an incorrect configuration, leading to a longer than normal landing distance. Unable to stop within the remaining runway length, the aircraft continued past the paved surface.

Damage and Position

The overrun resulted in the loss of the right main landing gear. The aircraft came to rest in a grassy area adjacent to the runway. The damage was assessed as beyond economical repair, rendering the aircraft a total loss.

Evacuation

All 107 persons on board, including passengers and crew, evacuated the aircraft safely. No injuries were reported during the evacuation process.

Weather Conditions

Weather at the time of the accident was characterized by rain showers and reduced visibility. The runway surface was wet due to precipitation, which contributed to limited braking action available to the aircraft.

Probable Cause

The accident was attributed to a wrong approach configuration established by the flight crew prior to landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Mar 1990 Hawker Siddeley HS.121 Trident accident near Guilin, China?

A three-engine aircraft overran the runway at Guilin Airport following a wrong approach configuration, resulting in substantial damage and safe evacuation of all 107 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Mar 1990 Hawker Siddeley HS.121 Trident accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Mar 1990 involved a Hawker Siddeley HS.121 Trident, registration B-2208, operated by Air China, at Guilin, China.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was attributed to a wrong approach configuration.