A still image taken from TVBS footage shows a rescue worker at the crash site after TransAsia Airways flight GE222 crash landed in Penghu county, Taiwan, July 23, 2014.(Photo/tvbs.com.tw)
Taiwan's Aviation Safety Council on Friday released its final investigation report on the TransAsia plane accident that claimed 48 lives, placing much of the blame on the pilots' non-compliance of standard operating procedure (SOPs).
On July 23, 2014, a TransAsia Airways aircraft took off from Kaohsiung Airport, heading for Magong in the Penghu archipelago. There were 58 people on board -- four crew and 54 passengers.
The plane crashed near Magong Airport into a residential area, killing 48, while injuring ten others and five on the ground.
According to the flight recorder data, non-compliance with SOPs occurred throughout the flight, the report said.
"The crew's recurring non-compliance with SOPs constituted an operating culture in which high risk practices were routine and considered normal," it said.
The GE 222 aircraft was flown unintentionally into terrain with limited awareness of the crew of the aircraft's proximity to the terrain. The crew continued the approach below the minimum descent altitude, the report showed.
There was heavy rain at Magong Airport at the time of the incident. "The meteorological conditions included thunderstorms featuring heavy rain, significant visibility issues, and changes in wind direction and speed," the report said.
The report made a series of safety recommendations to TransAsia, including implementing effective safety standards, conducting a thorough review of its safety system and crew training programs, as well as reviewing and improving its internal compliance.
It also made suggestions to the island's civil aeronautics authority and the aircraft's manufacturer.
