Formosa Airlines Flight 7601, operating a domestic route, was making its final approach to Beigan Airport in the Matsu Islands of Taiwan when it encountered significant difficulties. The flight was carrying a total of 24 individuals, including passengers and crew. As the aircraft approached the airport, it was beset by heavy rain and strong winds, conditions that are not uncommon in this region, especially during the typhoon season. Despite the challenging circumstances, the flight crew attempted to land, ultimately leading to a catastrophic failure that resulted in the aircraft crashing into the terrain just short of the airport runway.

Emergency services were deployed quickly to the crash site, where they faced difficulties due to the harsh weather conditions and the remote location of Beigan Airport. Unfortunately, out of the 24 individuals on board, sixteen lost their lives, with the remaining occupants suffering injuries. Investigators quickly began piecing together the events leading to the accident, examining factors such as pilot decisions, weather conditions, and potential mechanical failures, which could have contributed to the tragedy.

The incident prompted discussions about aviation safety protocols in Taiwan, particularly regarding approaches to airports in remote areas where visibility can be dramatically reduced. It also raised questions about the adequacy of training provided to pilots in relation to emergency procedures under adverse conditions. The crash of Flight 7601 thus served as a wake-up call for both airlines operating in the region and regulatory authorities, who needed to ensure the implementation of improved safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.