Crash of a Dornier DO228-212 in Matsu Nangan: 16 killed

Date & Time: Aug 10, 1997 at 0833 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
B-12256
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Taipei - Matsu Nangan
MSN:
8220
YOM:
1993
Flight number:
VY7601
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
14
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
16
Circumstances:
On final approach to Matsu Nangan Airport, the twin engine aircraft struck the top of the Jade Hill located about one km short of runway and disintegrated on impact. A female passenger was seriously injured while 15 other occupants were killed. The only survivor died from his injuries few hours later. At the time of the accident, the visibility was reduced to six km in rain. It was reported that the crew was initiating a go-around procedure when the aircraft struck the hill. Few hours after the accident, a man in charge to transmit weather conditions to the crew committed suicide at the airport.

Crash of a Dornier DO228-212 off Matsu Nangan

Date & Time: Apr 5, 1996 at 1625 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
B-12257
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Taipei - Matsu Nangan
MSN:
8223
YOM:
1993
Flight number:
VY7613
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
15
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
On approach to Matsu Nangan Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with reduced visibility due to fog. The descent was completed under VFR mode in IMC conditions. On final, the copilot who was the pilot-in-command continued the approach despite he did not establish any visual contact with the runway, and failed to monitor the instruments. Eventually, the crew attempted to make a go-around but this decision was taken too late. The aircraft struck the water surface and crashed in the sea about 1,600 metres offshore. Six passengers were killed while 11 other occupants were injured.
Probable cause:
Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who continued the descent under VFR mode in IMC conditions, below the MDA until the aircraft struck the water surface. Poor supervision on part of the captain. Poor crew coordination and poor approach and landing planning.