News
Civil Aviation Administration of China teams lead investigation into fatal China Eastern Airlines crash
March 23rd 2022
Shanghai-headquartered China Eastern Airlines (CEA) accident investigators are working with Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) teams to determine why one of the carrier’s 737-800s fell 29,100 feet from the sky and crashed in mountainous terrain killing all 132 passengers and crew on board. Read More » "Since the plane crashed [on March 21), the company has attached great importance to the incident and immediately activated the emergency response plan," CEA said in a regulatory filing to the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shanghai. "Work teams have been sent to the accident site and a dedicated emergency assistance line at 4008495530 has been established for family members. The cause of the plane crash, which happened as the aircraft was flying from Kunming to Guangzhou, is under investigation and the company will cooperate with the relevant investigations." CEA has grounded its fleet of 737-800s. Boeing said: "Our thoughts are with the passengers and crew of China Eastern Airlines flight MU 5735. Boeing is in contact with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and our technical experts are prepared to assist with the investigation led by the Civil Aviation Administration of China." CFM International, which manufactures the CFM56 engines that power the 737-800, said it was "deeply saddened by the tragic news" of the accident. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and the loved ones of those on board." While the CAAC is leading the investigation, the NTSB said Boeing, CFM International and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will serve as technical advisors. The flight, operated by 737-800 B-1791, was carrying 123 passengers and nine crew.
