On November 13, 1993, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 (registration B-2141) operated by China Northern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Ürümqi-Diwopu, China during landing or approach. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The automatic pilot system disconnect on final approach for unknown reasons, causing the aircraft to adopt a rate of descent of 800 feet per minute until the aircraft struck a concrete wall and crashed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft on approach to Ürümqi-Diwopu in limited visibility due to fog struck a concrete wall short of the runway, then hit power lines and crashed, killing twelve occupants. The autopilot disconnected for unknown reasons.
Accident Sequence
The approach to Ürümqi-Diwopu was conducted in limited visibility caused by fog. On short final, the aircraft descended below the glide path and struck a concrete wall located 3 kilometers short of runway 25. The aircraft then gained altitude and collided with power lines before crashing in a field and bursting into flames.
Casualties and Damage
Twelve occupants were killed in the accident, including four crew members. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause was the automatic pilot system disconnect on final approach for unknown reasons. This caused the aircraft to adopt a rate of descent of 800 feet per minute until it struck a concrete wall and crashed.
What happened in the 13 Nov 1993 McDonnell Douglas MD-82 accident near Ürümqi-Diwopu, China?
An aircraft on approach to Ürümqi-Diwopu in limited visibility due to fog struck a concrete wall short of the runway, then hit power lines and crashed, killing twelve occupants. The autopilot disconnected for unknown reasons.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Nov 1993 McDonnell Douglas MD-82 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Nov 1993 involved a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, registration B-2141, operated by China Northern Airlines, at Ürümqi-Diwopu, China.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The automatic pilot system disconnect on final approach for unknown reasons, causing the aircraft to adopt a rate of descent of 800 feet per minute until the aircraft struck a concrete wall and crashed.
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