An MD-11 freighter operated by Avient Aviation crashed and burned at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport (PVG) this morning, November 28, 2009. At the time of the accident, the aircraft (registration Z-BAV) was departing Shanghai for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as Flight Z3-324. A statement on the Avient Aviation Web site confirms that there were seven crew members on board the flight. News reports say that three crew members perished as a result of the accident, and the remaining four are hospitalized with various injuries.According to news media, the aircraft overran Pudong's runway 35R during its takeoff roll. It is unclear at this time whether the aircraft had rotated before crashing, or if the accident resulted from a rejected takeoff.
The accident MD-11F was said to have been recently acquired by Avient.
Condolences to the families and friends of the crew members who lost their lives in this accident. Best wishes to the injured crew members for complete and speedy recovery.
UPDATE Nov. 29, 2009: The Aviation Herald reports: "A Shanghai based pilot witnessing the crash said, that the main gear left the ground just before the end of the runway, the airplane however did not climb more than 10 feet, impacted approach lights and antennas and fell back onto the ground."
The 'black boxes' have been recovered from the wreckage.
