Investigation Summary
The flight departed Taipei for the short hop to the Matsu Islands. Upon arrival at Beigan, the crew encountered challenging weather including rain and strong winds. After failing to stabilize the first approach, the crew initiated a go-around. Standard procedures for the airport required a left turn to avoid the rugged terrain of the island, but the flight crew executed a right turn instead. This deviation placed the Dornier 228 on a collision course with Jade Hill. The aircraft struck a military water tower and trees approximately one kilometer from the runway, resulting in an explosion and fire. One female passenger initially survived the impact but succumbed to her injuries while being transported to the hospital. The accident highlighted significant safety deficiencies at Matsu Beigan Airport. The facility lacked radar facilities, forcing pilots to rely entirely on visual contact and onboard instruments.
Final Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the primary cause was pilot error characterized by a failure to follow the prescribed missed approach procedure. The pilot's decision to turn right instead of left during the go-around led the aircraft directly into terrain. Contributing factors included the prevailing weather conditions (rain and wind) and the inadequate safety infrastructure at Matsu Beigan Airport, specifically the absence of ground-based radar to assist controllers in monitoring aircraft flight paths.
Video Analysis
The Airline That Couldn't Stop Crashing | Formosa Airlines Flight 7601 — A look into the history of Formosa Airlines and the 1997 crash of Flight 7601 on Matsu Island, which was the airline's fourth accident in four years.
If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Matsu Beigan Airport Infrastructure
At the time of the crash, the airport lacked radar facilities, requiring pilots to rely on visual references and onboard instruments for navigation.
Flight Data Recorder (FDR)
The 'black box' was recovered from the wreckage on Jade Hill and used to confirm the pilot's deviation from the prescribed flight path.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Dornier 228-212 manufactured in 1993.
- 02Both pilots were 47 years old at the time of the accident.
- 03The crash occurred approximately one kilometer short of the runway on Jade Hill.
- 04Visibility at the time of the accident was 6,000 meters despite the rain.
- 05A local weather official attempted suicide following the crash due to public outcry.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Suspension of Operations
Formosa Airlines was ordered to halt its four daily flights to Matsu immediately following the accident, with the route handed over to another carrier.
Airport Safety Improvements
Taiwan's Vice-President and Premier Lien Chan ordered immediate safety improvements to Matsu's airport infrastructure following the crash.