China Airlines Flight 006

China Airlines Flight 006
Damage to the plane's horizontal stabilizers
Accident
DateFebruary 19, 1985 (1985-02-19)
SummaryHigh-altitude upset and dive due to spatial disorientation after engine failure
SitePacific Ocean, near San Francisco, California, United States
Aircraft

N4522V, the aircraft involved in the accident
Aircraft typeBoeing 747SP-09
OperatorChina Airlines
IATA flight No.CI006
ICAO flight No.CAL006
Call signDYNASTY 006
RegistrationN4522V
Flight originChiang Kai Shek International Airport, Taoyuan, Taiwan
DestinationLos Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California, United States
Occupants274
Passengers251
Crew23
Fatalities0
Injuries24 (2 serious)
Survivors274

China Airlines Flight 006 was a daily non-stop international passenger flight from Taipei to Los Angeles International Airport. On February 19, 1985, the Boeing 747SP operating the flight was involved in an aircraft upset accident, following the failure of the No. 4 engine, while cruising at 41,000 ft (12,500 m). The plane rolled over and plunged 30,000 ft (9,100 m), experiencing high speeds and g-forces (as high as 5 g) before the captain was able to recover from the dive, and then to divert to San Francisco International Airport. Twenty-four occupants were injured.