On October 7, 1988, an Ilyushin II-14 (registration B-4218) operated by Shanxi Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Linfen, China during takeoff. 46 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left engine failed following a fatigue fracture in the engine's oil pump drive shaft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A charter sightseeing flight crashed after the left engine failed during initial climb, killing 44 occupants and two people on the ground. Four passengers were rescued.
Accident
A charter aircraft carrying 44 employees of a local knitting factory for a 15-minute sightseeing flight over the Linfen Area experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff. During the initial climb, the left engine failed, causing the aircraft to lose altitude. The left wing struck a building, partially tearing off the wing. The aircraft then collided with eight poplar trees before crashing into a hotel.
Casualties
Four passengers were rescued from the wreckage. In total, 44 occupants of the aircraft and two individuals on the ground were killed.
Investigation
The investigation determined that the left engine failed due to a fatigue fracture in the engine's oil pump drive shaft. This mechanical failure led to the loss of power and subsequent loss of control.
Probable cause
The left engine failed following a fatigue fracture in the engine's oil pump drive shaft.