On this day: 1991 - Lauda Air Flight 004 explodes over Thailand, killing all 223 people on board

On May 26 1991 at 23:02 local time Flight NG004 took off from Old Bangkok International Airport for its flight to Vienna. The flight was carrying 213 passengers and 10 crew members.

At 23:08 Captain Thomas J. Welch and First Officer Josef Thurner received a visual warning showing that a possible system failure would cause the thrust reverser on the number 1 engine to deploy in flight.

Having consulted the aircraft's Quick Reference Handbook, they determined that it was "just an advisory thing" and took no action.

At 23:17 the thrust reverser on then number 1 engine deployed while flying over rural Thailand. Thurner's last recorded words were, "Oh, reverser's deployed!”

The 767 stalled in mid-air and disintegrated at 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).

None of the 223 passengers and crew aboard the plane survived. It was the first fatal crash of a Boeing 767.

The accident remains the deadliest aviation disaster on Thai soil to date. Rescuers found the body of Welch still in the pilot's seat. After the accident, scavengers collected electronics and jewellery.