Aircraft crash in Linfen Area during sightseeing flight

46 fatalities • Linfen, China • Takeoff (climb)

A chartered aircraft crashed into a building and trees during an initial climb, resulting in widespread fatalities among passengers and people on the ground.

What happened

A chartered aircraft was conducting a short-duration sightseeing excursion over the Linfen Area, intended to transport 44 workers from a nearby knitting factory. During the initial climb phase immediately following takeoff, the aircraft experienced a failure of its left engine.

As the plane lost altitude due to the loss of power, the left wing made contact with a building, which resulted in the wing being partially severed. The flight path continued through a series of eight poplar trees before the aircraft ultimately crashed into a hotel. The accident resulted in 46 fatalities, including 44 occupants of the plane and two individuals on the ground. Only four passengers from the flight were successfully rescued from the wreckage.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the mechanical failure was caused by a fatigue fracture within the drive shaft of the engine's oil pump.

Probable cause

A fatigue fracture in the left engine's oil pump drive shaft led to engine failure during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-10-07 Ilyushin II-14 accident near Linfen, China?

A chartered aircraft crashed into a building and trees during an initial climb, resulting in widespread fatalities among passengers and people on the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-10-07 Ilyushin II-14 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 46 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-10-07 involved a Ilyushin II-14, registration B-4218, operated by Shanxi Airlines, at Linfen, China.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A fatigue fracture in the left engine's oil pump drive shaft led to engine failure during takeoff.

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