TransAsia Airways Flight 235 Crash

Overview

On February 4, 2015, TransAsia Airways Flight 235, a domestic flight from Taipei Songshan Airport to Kinmen Airport, tragically crashed into the Keelung River shortly after takeoff. The incident resulted in the loss of 43 lives out of the 58 people on board, including passengers and crew members.

Flight Details

• Aircraft: ATR 72-600
• Operator: TransAsia Airways
• Flight Number: 235
• Departure: Taipei Songshan Airport, Taiwan
• Destination: Kinmen Airport, Taiwan
• Date: February 4, 2015

Sequence of Events

1. Takeoff: The aircraft took off from Taipei Songshan Airport at approximately 10:52 AM local time.
2. Engine Failure: Shortly after takeoff, the right engine (Engine No. 2) experienced a flameout.
3. Pilot Response: The pilots mistakenly shut down the functioning left engine (Engine No. 1) in response to the flameout, leading to a complete loss of thrust.
4. Crash: At around 10:55 AM, the aircraft clipped a taxi on a highway and the edge of a bridge before crashing into the Keelung River.

Rescue and Recovery

• Immediate Response: Emergency services and local residents quickly responded to the crash site. Rescue operations were challenging due to the aircraft’s position in the river.
• Casualties: Out of the 58 individuals on board, 43 were killed, and 15 survived with varying degrees of injuries.

Investigation and Findings

• Investigation: The Aviation Safety Council of Taiwan led the investigation, with assistance from international aviation experts.
• Key Findings:
  • The right engine had indeed experienced a flameout.
  • The pilots mistakenly shut down the left engine, which was functioning properly.
  • The flight crew’s inadequate response to the engine failure was a critical factor in the crash.

Aftermath and Impact

• Regulatory Changes: The crash prompted a review of pilot training and emergency response protocols, particularly concerning engine failure procedures.
• TransAsia Airways: The airline faced increased scrutiny and eventually ceased operations in 2016 due to financial difficulties exacerbated by the crash and another fatal accident in 2014.

Broader Significance

The crash of TransAsia Airways Flight 235 highlighted the importance of rigorous pilot training and the need for clear, effective communication in the cockpit during emergencies. It also underscored the critical role of human factors in aviation safety, leading to industry-wide discussions on improving pilot response to technical failures.

This tragic event remains a somber reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in air travel, and it continues to influence safety practices and regulations within the aviation industry.