Some Say CRJ-200 Tried To Return To Airport

Witnesses say the China Eastern regional jet "flew like a drunkard" just before it went down into a lake Sunday, killing 54 people.

China's official Xinhua news agency reports the Bombardier CRJ-200 carried 47 passengers and a crew of six. One person was reportedly killed on the ground as the aircraft plunged into a parkside lake in the city of Baotou shortly after take-off.

It was a tragedy witnessed by dozens or more people.

"Suddenly the plane disappeared into a mushroom-like cloud. At the center of the cloud there was a glaring fire. Then the fire and the cloud fell into the park," said one taxi driver.

"The plane started to shake when it climbed to the height of sixth floors, as if its wings were dropping. Many people shouted, 'what's wrong with the plane?' The plane then shook for four or five seconds and tried to turn around. But suddenly its tail caught fire with a bang. Then heavy smoke and a foul smell engulfed the area," said a woman who witnessed the accident while on her way to a morning exercise class.

The aircraft impacted the lake, breaking through the ice that covered it, shortly before nine Sunday morning. Xinhua reports it took 400 volunteers to recover the bodies by breaking through the ice again and again. There is still no preliminary indication on the cause of the accident. Officials told the news agency that the tower at Baotou Airport lost contact with the flight crew about one minute after the CRJ-200 departed the runway.

As a result, China has grounded all CRJs for the time being.

Bombardier's Statement

Bombardier Aerospace accident response team members are on their way to China to assist the Chinese aviation authorities in the accident investigation.
Bombardier is deeply saddened by this tragic event and we extend our sympathies to the families of those who perished. Bombardier will provide every assistance to the investigating authorities to determine the cause of this accident.

FMI: www.caac.gov.cn