30th Anniversary of Tragic China Airlines Flight 140 Remembered in Japan

Thirty years after the devastating crash of China Airlines Flight 140, a somber memorial ceremony was held in Japan's Aichi Prefecture, near the site of the tragedy. On April 26, 1994, the Airbus A300B4-622R, flying from Taipei to Nagoya, stalled during its approach and crashed, claiming the lives of 264 of the 271 people on board.

The ceremony, attended by a modest gathering of bereaved family members from Japan and Taiwan, including the head of China Airlines' Nagoya branch, took place at the 'Yasuragi-no-sono'—the 'Garden of Eternal Rest'. This memorial garden, established shortly after the accident, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost. At precisely 20:15, the exact moment of the crash three decades ago, attendees observed a moment of silence, reflecting on the profound impact of the disaster.

Misuo Sakai, representing the families of the victims, expressed the deep emotional scars that remain, "Thirty years have passed, and I clearly remember what happened that day." His words underscore the lasting sorrow and the vivid memories that linger among those affected by the crash.

The tragedy was caused by a critical error during the flight's approach when the takeoff/go-around setting was mistakenly activated, leading to a fatal stall. This remains the deadliest incident in China Airlines' history and prompted years of legal battles and safety investigations. Efforts to hold both the airline and Airbus accountable culminated in a significant legal ruling in 2003, ordering China Airlines to pay substantial compensation to the victims' families, though Airbus was found not liable for the aircraft's design.

Today, China Airlines continues to operate as Taiwan's flag carrier, maintaining high safety and product standards. The airline's commitment to safety has been reinforced over the years, reflecting lessons learned from the past.

The annual memorial at 'Yasuragi-no-sono' not only honors those who perished but also serves as a reminder of the aviation community's ongoing responsibility to ensure the safety of air travel for all passengers.