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26 fatalities

Ethiopian Air Force Aircraft Hijacking and Crash at Debre Zeit-Harar Meda AFB (1509)

Debre Zeit-Harar Meda, EthiopiaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 16, 1984, an Antonov AN-12 (registration 1509) operated by Ethiopian Air Force - Ye Ityopya Ayer Hayl was involved in an aviation accident near Debre Zeit-Harar Meda, Ethiopia during landing or approach. 26 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An Ethiopian Air Force Lieutenant elected to hijack the airplane to Somalia and detonated a grenade while the airplane was approaching the airbase. 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 Ethiopian Air Force aircraft crashed near Debre Zeit-Harar Meda AFB after a hijacking attempt. A grenade detonation during approach caused the crash, killing 26 of 38 occupants.

Incident Overview and Casualties An Ethiopian Air Force aircraft was on final approach to Debre Zeit-Harar Meda AFB when it crashed a few kilometers short of the runway threshold. The aircraft burst into flames after impact. Rescue efforts saved 12 occupants, while 26 others were killed. ## Official Findings The investigation determined that an Ethiopian Air Force Lieutenant attempted to hijack the aircraft to Somalia. While the airplane was approaching the airbase, the Lieutenant detonated a grenade, which led to the crash. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, or operator beyond the Ethiopian Air Force.

Probable cause

An Ethiopian Air Force Lieutenant elected to hijack the airplane to Somalia and detonated a grenade while the airplane was approaching the airbase.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Feb 1984 Antonov AN-12 accident near Debre Zeit-Harar Meda, Ethiopia?

An Ethiopian Air Force aircraft crashed near Debre Zeit-Harar Meda AFB after a hijacking attempt. A grenade detonation during approach caused the crash, killing 26 of 38 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Feb 1984 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 26 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Feb 1984 involved an Antonov AN-12, registration 1509, operated by Ethiopian Air Force - Ye Ityopya Ayer Hayl, at Debre Zeit-Harar Meda, Ethiopia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An Ethiopian Air Force Lieutenant elected to hijack the airplane to Somalia and detonated a grenade while the airplane was approaching the airbase.

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