Saab 340 crash, Mar 18, 1998 (13 killed), Hsinchu
Saab 340 accident on March 18, 1998 near Hsinchu, Hsinchu City, Taiwan with 13 fatalities. Cause: Loss of aircraft control caused by the flight crew's...
- Date: March 18, 1998
- Aircraft: Saab 340
- Location: Hsinchu, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
- Fatalities: 13
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: Loss of aircraft control caused by the flight crew's loss of situational awareness, combined with the right main bus failure, non-compliance with the MEL, night IMC, captain's fatigue and spatial disorientation, and non-compliance with standard procedures.
A Formosa Airlines Saab 340 departed Hsinchu for Kaohsiung at night in IMC with the right main electrical bus failed, which left autopilot, yaw damper and several instruments unavailable. Engine torque split and the captain's disorientation led to a steep right bank and a dive into the sea shortly after takeoff. All 13 aboard were killed.