76 fatalities

1988-09-09: Tupolev TU-134 (VN-A102) — Vietnam Airlines — Bangkok-Don Mueang, Thailand

Bangkok-Don Mueang, ThailandLanding (descent or approach)

On September 9, 1988, a Tupolev TU-134 (registration VN-A102) operated by Vietnam Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Bangkok-Don Mueang, Thailand during landing or approach. 76 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: After passing the outer marker, without visual contact with the ground due to heavy rain falls, the crew passed the decision height when the aircraft struck the ground and crashed. A loss of altitude caused by possible windshear is not ruled out. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781214908Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed approximately 6 km short of the runway at Bangkok-Don Mueang Airport during final approach in heavy rain. 14 occupants were rescued, while 76 others were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.

Accident

An aircraft on approach to Bangkok-Don Mueang Airport crashed about 6 km short of the runway. The accident occurred during final approach in poor weather conditions with reduced visibility due to heavy rainfall. The aircraft struck the ground and was destroyed. Of the occupants, 14 were rescued and 76 were killed.

Investigation

The investigation determined that after passing the outer marker, the crew did not have visual contact with the ground because of heavy rain. The aircraft passed the decision height and subsequently struck the ground, resulting in the crash.

Probable Cause

The probable cause was that after passing the outer marker without visual contact due to heavy rain, the crew passed the decision height, leading to the aircraft striking the ground. A loss of altitude caused by possible windshear was not ruled out.