Narrative:
The Boeing, named "Thomas Haywood", was less than half loaded with textiles, computer software and mail when it departed Singapore. Approaching Kuala Lumpur, the crew were cleared to route direct to the Kayell (KL) beacon for a runway 33 approach. While on the NDB approach, the crew were cleared to "...descend two four zero zero..." which was interpreted by the crew as "...to 400...". The aircraft descended below minimum altitude and crashed into a hillside at 600 feet/180 m msl just before reaching the Kayell NDB, where minimum descent height was 2400 feet. The Boeing hit treetops and started to break up until bursting into flames.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Non-standard phraseology was used by Kuala Lumpur ATC, causing the crew to misinterpret the instructions.
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) - Mountain
» Flight International 17-12 January 1990 (p.44)
» ICAO Adrep Summary
accident date: 19-02-1989
type: Boeing 747-249F
registration: N807FT
accident date: 19-02-1989
type: Boeing 747-249F
registration: N807FT
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Sunday 19 February 1989 |
| Time: | 06:36 |
| Type: |  Boeing 747-249F |
| Operator: | Flying Tiger Line |
| Registration: | N807FT |
| MSN: | 21828/408 |
| First flight: | 1979-11-01 (9 years 4 months) |
| Total airframe hrs: | 34000 |
| Cycles: | 9000 |
| Engines: | 4 Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7Q |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 4 / Occupants: 4 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 4 / Occupants: 4 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Aircraft fate: | Written off (damaged beyond repair) |
| Location: | 12 km (7.5 mls) from Kuala Lumpur Subang International Airport (KUL) ( Malaysia)
|
| Crash site elevation: | 180 m (591 feet) amsl |
| Phase: | Approach (APR) |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | Singapore-Changi International Airport (SIN/WSSS), Singapore |
| Kuala Lumpur Subang International Airport (KUL/WMKK), Malaysia | |
| Flightnumber: | 66 |
The Boeing, named "Thomas Haywood", was less than half loaded with textiles, computer software and mail when it departed Singapore. Approaching Kuala Lumpur, the crew were cleared to route direct to the Kayell (KL) beacon for a runway 33 approach. While on the NDB approach, the crew were cleared to "...descend two four zero zero..." which was interpreted by the crew as "...to 400...". The aircraft descended below minimum altitude and crashed into a hillside at 600 feet/180 m msl just before reaching the Kayell NDB, where minimum descent height was 2400 feet. The Boeing hit treetops and started to break up until bursting into flames.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: Non-standard phraseology was used by Kuala Lumpur ATC, causing the crew to misinterpret the instructions.
Classification:
Language/communication problemsControlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) - Mountain
Sources:
» Aviation Week & Space Technology 27.02.89 (24)» Flight International 17-12 January 1990 (p.44)
» ICAO Adrep Summary
Photos
accident date: 19-02-1989
type: Boeing 747-249F
registration: N807FT
accident date: 19-02-1989
type: Boeing 747-249F
registration: N807FT
Video, social media
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Singapore-Changi International Airport to Kuala Lumpur Subang International Airport as the crow flies is 296 km (185 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
Distance from Singapore-Changi International Airport to Kuala Lumpur Subang International Airport as the crow flies is 296 km (185 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
languages: 
Malaysia
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Boeing 747
- 1551+ built
- 19th loss
- 13th fatal accident
- 13th worst accident (at the time)
- 23rd worst accident (currently)
Malaysia- 21st worst accident (at the time)
- 26th worst accident (currently)
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