73 fatalities

Aircraft Shot Down by Surface-to-Air Missile After Takeoff from Addis Ababa-Bole Airport

Addis Ababa-Bole, EthiopiaTakeoff (climb)

On January 14, 1982, an Antonov AN-12 operated by Ethiopian Air Force - Ye Ityopya Ayer Hayl was involved in an aviation accident near Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia during takeoff. 73 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by a surface-to-air missile. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile while climbing after takeoff from Addis Ababa-Bole Airport, killing all 73 occupants, including Libyan, Cuban, and Ethiopian soldiers.

Incident Overview and Casualties An aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile while climbing after takeoff from Addis Ababa-Bole Airport. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 73 occupants on board. ## Occupant Breakdown The 73 fatalities included 24 Libyan soldiers, 24 Cuban soldiers, and 25 Ethiopian soldiers. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was that the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. No other factors were identified in the source material as contributing to the incident. ## Operational Context The incident occurred during the climb phase following takeoff from Addis Ababa-Bole Airport. The source does not provide additional details regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or specific location of the crash beyond the airport of departure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jan 1982 Antonov AN-12 accident near Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia?

An aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile while climbing after takeoff from Addis Ababa-Bole Airport, killing all 73 occupants, including Libyan, Cuban, and Ethiopian soldiers.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jan 1982 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 73 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jan 1982 involved an Antonov AN-12, operated by Ethiopian Air Force - Ye Ityopya Ayer Hayl, at Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by a surface-to-air missile.