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.