Investigation Summary
During the pre-flight phase, the flight crew neglected to follow the standard takeoff checklist. Crucially, the horizontal stabilizer was left in a landing configuration rather than being adjusted for takeoff. As the aircraft reached rotation speed on runway 06, the pilots attempted to lift the nose, but the aerodynamic forces caused by the mistrimmed stabilizer prevented the aircraft from rotating to a sufficient angle for lift-off. The aircraft remained on the ground, and despite the crew's efforts to force a rotation, the Yak-42 failed to become airborne. Realizing the takeoff was failing, the crew initiated emergency braking, but the aircraft was traveling too fast to stop within the remaining runway length. It exited the paved surface at approximately 210 km/h, crossing a 6.7-meter deep drainage ditch and striking a two-meter high embankment, which caused the fuselage to break into three sections and ignite.
Final Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the primary cause was pilot error due to the crew's failure to adhere to airline operating procedures and pre-takeoff checklists. The incorrect setting of the horizontal stabilizer made the aircraft impossible to rotate and climb safely. Secondary factors included the high speed of the overrun and the presence of an embankment and drainage ditch near the runway threshold, which increased the severity of the impact.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Horizontal Stabilizer / Elevator Trim
The movable tail surface used to trim the aircraft for different phases of flight; an incorrect setting prevented the aircraft from rotating for takeoff.
Braking System
Used during the rejected takeoff (RTO) procedure, but insufficient to stop the aircraft within the remaining runway distance.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was nearly brand new, having been manufactured only six months prior in January 1992.
- 02The horizontal stabilizer was found to be in the landing configuration rather than the takeoff configuration.
- 03There were 126 people on board, consisting of 116 passengers and 10 crew members.
- 04A total of 18 people survived the accident, including one member of the flight crew.
- 05The crash occurred on the same day as Thai Airways International Flight 311, another major aviation disaster in 1992.
- 06The aircraft struck a drainage ditch 6.7 meters deep and a 2-meter high embankment at a speed of 210 km/h.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Checklist Discipline Reinforcement
Following the accident, Chinese aviation authorities emphasized the critical importance of strict adherence to pre-takeoff checklists, specifically regarding flight control configurations.