On November 21, 1971, a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle (registration B-1852) operated by China Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Penghu Islands (Pescadores Islands), Taiwan in flight. 25 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of an in-flight disintegration of the airplane after a bomb exploded on board. The author and the reason of this act of terrorism remains unknown. 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.
An aircraft en route from Taipei to Hong Kong disintegrated in flight after a bomb explosion over the Taiwan Strait. No survivors among 25 occupants, including the Brazilian ambassador.
Incident Overview
While cruising at night over the Taiwan Strait during a flight from Taipei to Hong Kong, the aircraft disappeared from radar without any distress call from the crew. Debris was found floating on water off the Penghu Islands (Pescadores Islands) the following early morning. All 25 occupants, including the Ambassador of Brazil in China, did not survive the crash. Eye witnesses reported that the airplane disintegrated in the air.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of an in-flight disintegration of the airplane after a bomb exploded on board. The author and reason of this act of terrorism remains unknown.
Probable cause
The accident was the consequence of an in-flight disintegration of the airplane after a bomb exploded on board. The author and the reason of this act of terrorism remains unknown.
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