30 fatalities

1992-11-14: Yakovlev Yak-40 (VN-A449) — Vietnam Airlines — Sơn Trung, Vietnam

Sơn Trung, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

On November 14, 1992, a Yakovlev Yak-40 (registration VN-A449) operated by Vietnam Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Sơn Trung, Vietnam during landing or approach. 30 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Following negligences and wrong interpretation of instrument settings, the aircraft deviated from the prescribed W13 airway by 6 km until it impacted the ground. 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 1781210538Data APIEditorial standards

During descent to Nha Trang Airport, an aircraft deviated from the W13 airway by 6 km, struck trees, and crashed on a mountain slope. Poor weather from Typhoon 'Forest' was present. A passenger was seriously injured; 30 others were killed.

Accident Details

While descending to Nha Trang Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility due to heavy rain falls. On approach, the aircraft deviated from the W13 airway by six kilometers when it struck trees, lost height, and crashed on the slope of a mountain located 350 metres, about 33 kilometers southwest of Nha Trang. The wreckage was found eight days later at an altitude of 970 metres. A passenger was seriously injured while 30 other occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were poor due to the presence of typhoon 'Forest' approaching the area.

Findings

The official probable cause stated: Following negligences and wrong interpretation of instrument settings, the aircraft deviated from the prescribed W13 airway by 6 km until it impacted the ground.