KoruPilot

Bugger of an ACARS we got about half way across Mongolia this afternoon:

DEAR CAPT
BAD NEWS
UR FLT MAY BE DELAYED IN TSN DUE TO ONE MD11 CRASHED IN PVG RWY35R
DURING ITS VIRGIN DEPARTURE FROM PVG AROUND 0020Z
ONLY RWY 34/16 IS AVAILABLE NOW -OCC

There was an Avient DC-10 on the cargo ramp when we taxied in this evening, and as I understand it the accident aircraft had an SMJ call sign. The boys on the ramp said it scraped the tail for a wys down the runway before turning over and breaking up. Bugger. Hope the survivors make it through OK.

Typhoonpilot

It is sad news Koru. The news is sketchy so far, but it appears to be a high speed reject or takeoff overrun for some reason. They went off the end and broke up. Three confirmed dead, one seriously injured, and three with light injuries. So the press says.


TP

KoruPilot

Not sure what happened at the end of the runway. There were apparently quite a few people out to whatch as it was their initial flight from PVG. Our boy's on the ground said it looked like it tried to get airborne, scraped the tail and went off the runway breaking up. Their conclusion was misloading, but perhaps incorrect FMC info for whatever reason. Either way, not good.

Typhoonpilot

Reportedly 3 or 4 ex-Gemini guys on board. Probably there to help Avient get their new type integrated into the fleet or doing as short term contract.


TP