Date: | August 22, 1999 |
Location: | Hong Kong, China |
Aircraft: | McDonnell Douglas MD-11 |
Reg: | B-150 |
Airline: | China Airlines |
Flight No: | 642 |
Fatalities: | 315 : 3 |
While making a landing in strong winds and rain, the pilot-in-command disconnected the autopilot but left the autothrottle engaged. The aircraft, with a weight close to the maximum landing weight permitted, stabilized slightly low on the glideslope. An attempt was made to flare but the aircraft landed hard on its right landing gear and the No.3 engine touched the runway. The right main landing gear and right wing separated. The MD-11 then inverted and skidded off the runway in flames. |