DEVELOPMENTS TO DATE ON CRASH OF B-908

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 05277886
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: August 21, 2020
• Case Number: F-2015-00256
• Publication Date: July 7, 1964

Approved for Release: 2020/08/19 C05277886
7 July 1964
MEMORANDUM FOR: DDS
SUBJECT : Developments To Date On Crash of B1-908
1. After a take-off which appeared to be standard in all respects
the aircraft climbed to approximately 1400 feet in some 6 minutes and
all appeared to be normal. It then nosed down and struck the ground at
an angle of about 300. There was some fire after the crash but much of
the remains were untouched.
2. All 52 passengers and 5 crew members were positively identified.
3. It would appear that the CAT organization has done a very good
job of conducting relations with families. The press coverage has been
very extensive on Taiwan and for that matter world-wide. The Taiwan
press has carried out a lot of soul-searching including a demand for the
Minister of Communications' resignation. The press has assumed that CAT
must be at fault in some manner, but has, nevertheless, been sympathetic
for the most part and has repeatedly pointed to this being the scheduled-
airline's first fatal accident.
4. Each element of Government having any interest has set up its
own investigation of the accident. The Chinese Government requested and
the USCAB with our concurrence and assistance sent two of their professionals
from Washington, Messrs. Hallman and Pehl.
5. Two pistols were found in the crash and it has been ascertained
that neither has been fired. An autopsy of Captain Bengee Lin has not
revealed anything of interest.
6. All of the wreckage has been removed to Tainan where a detailed
analysis is being conducted. To date no cause has been discovered. The
flight was apparently conducted in a legal manner in all respects including
weight and balance. Two broken control cables were found amongst the
wreckage but technicians have observed that this could have happened
during the crash. The press has stated that the Chinese CAA has reported
there was no engine failure.
7. CAT and the other two domestic airlines were grounded for three
days after the crash, but operations are again normal. The Communications
Committee of the Legislative Yuan is conducting a series of legislative
interpolations. The Minutes of these interpolations give the impression
that the proceedings are going on in an objective manner. CAT's Chair-
man, Dr. Wang Wen-San, has been treated throughout with dignity and respect.
The Minister of Communications has been queried at length on the corporate
set-up and financing of CAT and his responses reveal that he is quite well,.
informed
pproved for Release: 2020/08/19 C05277886
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