China Airlines Flight 642, a Boeing 747-400, was operating from Taipei, Taiwan, to Hong Kong on a routine passenger flight. As the aircraft approached Hong Kong International Airport amid inclement weather conditions, it encountered difficulties maintaining altitude. During its landing attempt, the plane struck a concrete barrier past the runway, leading to a catastrophic crash. Upon impact, the aircraft was engulfed in flames, resulting in the loss of three passengers and injuring 208 others on board, including crew members. Emergency responders quickly mobilized to provide care to those injured and to control the fire. The incident not only raised concerns about flight safety protocols but also led to an investigation by aviation authorities to determine the possible causes of the crash.

The investigation uncovered several contributing factors, including adverse weather conditions at the time of landing and potential lapses in the crew's adherence to standard operating procedures. The aftermath of the crash shone a light on the importance of thorough training and proper communication among flight crews. Recommendations were made to enhance safety measures and improve pilot training practices, particularly in managing challenging landing scenarios. This tragic incident ultimately influenced changes in regulations and best practices within the airline industry.