China blames passenger for 7 May crash of China Northern Airlines flight

Airline Industry Information, Dec 9, 2002

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

China has reportedly blamed a passenger for the 7 May 2002 crash of a China Northern Airlines aircraft, which killed all 112 people on board.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-82, carrying 103 passengers and nine crew members, crashed into the sea off northeastern China after the pilot reported a fire on board.

According to Xinhua news agency, an investigation and thorough verification had determined that the crash was an act of sabotage created when passenger Zhang Pilin started a fire on board the aircraft. The man - whose motive is not known - was found to have bought seven insurance policies before boarding the flight.

In related news, China is planning to create a new aviation police force by the end of 2002 to help prevent hijackings and terrorism.

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