Aircraft crash short of Bangkok-Don Mueang Airport

76 fatalities • Bangkok-Don Mueang, Thailand • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed approximately 6 km before reaching its destination runway during a heavy rainstorm, resulting in 76 fatalities.

What happened

During an approach to Bangkok-Don Mueang Airport, the aircraft encountered severe weather characterized by intense rainfall and significantly diminished visibility. While on final approach, the plane descended below a safe altitude and impacted the ground roughly 6 km from the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. Of the passengers and crew on board, 76 fatalities were recorded, while 14 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the crew continued the approach past the decision height despite having no visual contact with the ground due to the heavy precipitation. The descent below the required altitude led directly to the ground strike. Additionally, investigators noted that a sudden loss of altitude resulting from potential windshear remains a possible contributing factor in the sequence of events.

Probable cause

The crew descended below decision height without visual contact with the runway during heavy rain, with windshear also being considered as a possible factor.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-09-09 Tupolev TU-134 accident near Bangkok-Don Mueang, Thailand?

An aircraft crashed approximately 6 km before reaching its destination runway during a heavy rainstorm, resulting in 76 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-09-09 Tupolev TU-134 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 76 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-09-09 involved a Tupolev TU-134, registration VN-A102, operated by Vietnam Airlines, at Bangkok-Don Mueang, Thailand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew descended below decision height without visual contact with the runway during heavy rain, with windshear also being considered as a possible factor.

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