Incident Overview
China Airlines Flight 120 was a scheduled international passenger flight that made headlines in 2007 due to a dramatic incident. Here are five key facts about the flight:
Flight Details
China Airlines Flight 120 was a Boeing 737-200 aircraft, registration B-18611, that departed from Taipei, Taiwan, bound for Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The flight took off from Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek International Airport (now known as Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport) on August 20, 2007.
Incident Description
About 28 minutes after takeoff, while the aircraft was climbing to its cruising altitude, a sudden explosion occurred near the right wing. The blast, later determined to be a fuel tank explosion, caused significant damage to the wing and nearby structures. Despite the severity of the incident, the pilots managed to maintain control of the aircraft and made an emergency landing at Naha Airport.
Investigation and Causes
An investigation by the Aviation Safety Council (ASC) of Taiwan, with assistance from Japanese authorities, revealed that the probable cause of the incident was a faulty electrical wire that ignited the flammable fuel-air mixture in the right wing fuel tank. The faulty wire was attributed to inadequate maintenance and inspection procedures by China Airlines.
Passenger and Crew Safety
Fortunately, all 165 people on board, including passengers and crew members, were evacuated safely after the emergency landing. However, four passengers suffered minor injuries during the incident.
Aircraft Damage and Repair
The aircraft sustained significant damage, particularly to the right wing, and was initially declared a write-off. However, after a lengthy repair process, the aircraft was eventually returned to service.
🚨 Note: The incident led to a significant improvement in the maintenance and inspection procedures of China Airlines, highlighting the importance of regular checks to prevent such incidents.
The China Airlines Flight 120 incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strict maintenance and inspection procedures to ensure the safety of aircraft and their occupants.
In the aftermath of the incident, China Airlines implemented changes to its maintenance procedures, including more frequent inspections and the use of advanced technology to detect potential issues. The incident also led to a review of regulatory requirements for aircraft maintenance and inspection, resulting in improved safety standards for the industry as a whole.
What was the cause of the China Airlines Flight 120 incident?
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The incident was caused by a faulty electrical wire that ignited the flammable fuel-air mixture in the right wing fuel tank.
How many people were on board China Airlines Flight 120?
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There were 165 people on board, including passengers and crew members.
What was the outcome for the aircraft involved in the incident?
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The aircraft sustained significant damage but was eventually repaired and returned to service.
