What happened
During the final approach phase toward Guangzhou-Baiyun Airport, a fire ignited within the cabin of a four-engine airplane. As the blaze spread, smoke began to fill the passenger compartment, prompting the deployment of oxygen masks for those on board. Although the crew attempted to suppress the flames, they were unable to contain the fire before the aircraft reached the runway.
The pilot-in-command managed to maintain control and complete the landing sequence. Once the aircraft had come to a halt, emergency responders arrived to assist with the evacuation of 44 individuals. While many passengers were successfully removed from the plane, the incident resulted in 25 fatalities due to asphyxiation. The fire caused significant damage, leaving the airframe partially destroyed.
Findings
Investigations into the incident suggest that the fire originated in the rear of the cabin. The blaze was triggered when a passenger discarded a cigarette near an oxygen tank, which subsequently ignited.