Incident Overview
A scheduled flight from Beijing to Dalian proceeded normally until the descent phase. While overflying the eastern side of the Korean Gulf, the crew contacted air traffic control to declare an emergency, reporting a fire on board and smoke spreading in the cabin. Shortly after this declaration, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and subsequently crashed into the sea approximately 20 kilometers from Dalian Airport. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate.
Investigation Findings
The cockpit voice recorder was recovered on May 13, and the flight data recorder was found on May 18. The investigation determined that the in-flight fire resulted from an act of sabotage. A passenger had contracted seven life insurance policies from different companies totaling 170,000 US dollars. This individual was able to board the aircraft at Beijing-Capital Airport carrying a bottle filled with gasoline, which he ignited during the flight.
Casualties
All 112 occupants on board were killed in the accident.
Official Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official findings, is that the in-flight fire was the consequence of an act of sabotage. Specifically, a passenger who had taken out multiple life insurance policies brought a bottle of gasoline on board and ignited it during flight.