25 fatalities

Fire on Approach to Guangzhou-Baiyun Airport Leads to Fatalities (B-202)

Guangzhou-Baiyun, ChinaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 24, 1982, an Ilyushin II-18 (registration B-202) operated by CAAC - Civil Aviation Administration of China was involved in an aviation accident near Guangzhou-Baiyun, China during landing or approach. 25 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the fire was the consequence of a passenger that throw his cigarette near an oxygen tank located in the rear of the cabin. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 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

On approach to Guangzhou-Baiyun Airport, a fire erupted in the cabin. Despite crew efforts, the fire spread. The aircraft landed and 44 were evacuated; 25 passengers died of asphyxia. The aircraft was partially destroyed.

Incident

While on approach to Guangzhou-Baiyun Airport, smoke began to spread in the cabin and a fire ignited. The cabin crew attempted to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful. Oxygen masks were deployed, and the pilot-in-command was able to continue the approach and land the aircraft.

Landing and Evacuation

After touchdown, the four-engine airplane was stopped as quickly as possible. Rescue teams evacuated 44 people from the aircraft, some of whom were wounded. The aircraft was partially destroyed by the fire.

Casualties

25 passengers died as a result of asphyxia.

Investigation

The probable cause, as stated in official findings, is believed to be that a passenger threw a cigarette near an oxygen tank located in the rear of the cabin, which initiated the fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Dec 1982 Ilyushin II-18 accident near Guangzhou-Baiyun, China?

On approach to Guangzhou-Baiyun Airport, a fire erupted in the cabin. Despite crew efforts, the fire spread. The aircraft landed and 44 were evacuated; 25 passengers died of asphyxia. The aircraft was partially destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Dec 1982 Ilyushin II-18 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 25 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Dec 1982 involved an Ilyushin II-18, registration B-202, operated by CAAC - Civil Aviation Administration of China, at Guangzhou-Baiyun, China.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is believed that the fire was the consequence of a passenger that throw his cigarette near an oxygen tank located in the rear of the cabin.