November 21, 2004: The Day Flight 5210 Vanished In 10 Seconds, Left All 53 Aboard Dead

Last Updated:November 21, 2025, 14:42 IST

The wreckage first struck a residential building, tore through a park ticket booth, and finally crashed into the frozen surface of Nanhai Park lake

Within moments of leaving the runway, the plane could not sustain flight and crashed in less than 10 seconds. (Image: Reddit)

A routine morning at Baotou Donghe Airport turned into a scene of horror on November 21, 2004, when China Eastern Airlines Flight 5210 crashed just minutes after takeoff, claiming the lives of all 53 people on board.

The flight, carrying 47 passengers and six crew members, departed at approximately 8:21 am under clear but frigid conditions. Among the crew were 33-year-old Captain Wang Pin and his experienced co-pilot Yang Guang, along with first officer Yi Chinwei. Witnesses describe the takeoff as normal until the aircraft, having just gained altitude, suddenly jolted violently. Within seconds, the plane appeared to struggle in the air, flapping erratically like a stranded fish.

Air traffic controllers and airport staff watched in horror as the aircraft lost stability. Moments later, a massive explosion was heard, and the plane broke apart midair, plummeting toward the ground. The wreckage first struck a residential building, tore through a park ticket booth, and finally crashed into the frozen surface of Nanhai Park lake. The impact ignited nearby boats and left a trail of fire and destruction.

Rescue operations were swift but challenging. Over 100 fire trucks, 250 police officers, 50 park personnel, and 20 divers were deployed to recover bodies and wreckage from the icy lake. By nightfall, 36 victims had been recovered. Investigators reported that the crash scattered debris over a wide area, leaving many victims identifiable only by body parts.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) launched an immediate investigation. On November 24, 2004, the aircraft’s black box was recovered from the ice, providing crucial data for the investigation. Early speculation ranged from explosions to technical failures, but the CAAC eventually confirmed a more sobering truth.

Investigators determined that icy conditions had caused a buildup on the plane’s wings prior to takeoff. The aircraft had not undergone a full de-icing procedure, leaving ice that critically impaired lift. Within moments of leaving the runway, the plane could not sustain flight and crashed in less than 10 seconds.

All 53 people on board lost their lives, including Captain Wang Pin, Co-Pilot Yang Guang, First Officer Yi Chinwei, two flight attendants, a security officer, 46 Chinese passengers, and one Indonesian national.

Following a two-year investigation, the CAAC concluded in 2006 that 12 employees of China Eastern Airlines were responsible for lapses in safety procedures and were subjected to administrative penalties. The disaster highlighted the critical importance of rigorous de-icing protocols, particularly in regions prone to subzero temperatures.

Flight 5210 remains a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of overlooked safety measures and the fragility of human life in the face of unforeseen environmental hazards.

News world November 21, 2004: The Day Flight 5210 Vanished In 10 Seconds, Left All 53 Aboard Dead

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