What happened
During the takeoff phase, approximately twenty-four seconds after departure, the crew experienced significant issues with the aircraft's controllability. While climbing, the captain notified air traffic control of uncommanded rolling motions, which fluctuated left and right by as much as 30 degrees. As the aircraft continued its ascent, the nose pitched up to an angle of 20 degrees, causing the aircraft to reach a high angle of attack and triggering the stall warning system.
Upon reaching an altitude of 4,717 metres, the aircraft rolled to the left and the nose pitched down sharply to a 65-degree angle, leading to an uncontrolled descent. Traveling at a speed of 747 km/h, the aircraft dropped to an altitude of 2,884 metres within a 12-second period. During this rapid descent, the aircraft experienced structural deformation and failure. The aircraft ultimately crashed in an open field situated 29 km southeast of Xi'an Airport. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and there were 160 fatalities among the occupants.