Asiana Flight 214 Crash in San Francisco Leaves Two Deceased, Dozens Injured
Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed while landing at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, July 6th, killing two teenage girls and injuring dozens of the 307 passengers onboard the Boeing 777 jetliner. The flight originated in Shanghai and stopped in Seoul before continuing to its final destination in San Francisco. Most of the passengers were Chinese, Korean or U.S. citizens.
Investigators Suspect Pilot Error – Plane Was Too Slow, Too Low
Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) cautioned that it is too early to say what caused the crash, but based on a review of preliminary flight data and cockpit communications, the speed of the plane was “significantly lower” than the target landing speed of 137 knots, or 158 mph. The jetliner had its throttle set to idle and was moving so slowly that it nearly stalled as it approached the runway.
The crew sought to accelerate 7-1/2 seconds before impact. Three seconds later, the “stick shaker” in the cockpit signaled an impending stall, a condition where the plane’s wings lose lift and the plane cannot be controlled. At 1-1/2 seconds before impact, the crew alerted the air traffic controller that the Boeing 777 would abort the landing and pull up and circle around for another attempt to land. Attempts to abort the landing were unsuccessful.
Eyewitnesses say the tail of the plane was much lower than other flights observed landing. The back of the plane hit a seawall, causing stabilizers and landing gear to break apart. The jetliner hit the ground, bouncing and skidding on the runway and losing its tail before coming to a rest
on the side of the runway.
Two Teens Killed, Dozens Injured
The crash killed Ye Meng Yuan and Wang Lin Jia, two 16 year-olds who were visiting the U.S. on an educational summer trip from Jiangshan
City, China. The teens were planning to visit Stanford University before heading to the West Valley Christian Church and School in the San Fernando Valley community of West Hills. Both teens were believed to be sitting in the rear section of the aircraft. One teen was apparently ejected from the plane and her body was found recovered on the runway, near the tail section of the plane. The other teen was found near the left wing evacuation slide, and investigators are looking into the possibility that she may have suffered injuries consistent with being run over by a vehicle, possibly an emergency vehicle responding to the scene.
Victims suffered serious injuries including severe abrasions, possibly from being ejected from the plane; paralysis; fractures and broken bones; and spinal cord injuries. On Monday, six passengers were listed in critical condition, including one child.
California Aviation Accident Lawyers Protecting Your Rights
Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy extends our deepest sympathy to the victims of Asiana Flight 214. For over 60 years, the attorneys at the law firm of Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy have advocated for the rights of people who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a plane crash or aviation accident. The firm’s attorneys include licensed pilots with an established reputation for being among the best aviation accident attorneys in the U.S. If you or a loved one has been the victim of an aviation accident, contact Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy today for a complimentary evaluation of your case.
