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FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
At the time of take-off from Chiang Kai Shek Airport, Taipei, the aircraft was serviceable, with no reported carried forward defects. It was correctly loaded and carried sufficient fuel.
The aircraft had current Certificates of Airworthiness and Fitness for Flight.
The cockpit and cabln crews were all properly licensed, experienced on the route and qualified to carry out the flight and had had an adequate rest period.
The aircraft was configured as a seven-pallet Combi with six pallets ln place.
The flight proceeded normally untll some nlne hours after the aircraft had left Chiang Kal Shek Airport in Taipei, when an intense fire developed in the right-hand forward pallet (PR).
The substances involved in the combustion included plastic and cardboard packing materials, but the actual source of ignition cannot be determined.
