On May 18, 2009, an Antonov AN-24 (registration EK-46839) operated by Air Atlantic-Congo was involved in an aviation accident near Dire Dawa-Aba Tenna Dejazmach Yilma, Ethiopia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the runway during takeoff roll while operating in foggy conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft veered off the runway during its takeoff roll at Dire Dawa-Aba Tenna Dejazmach Yilma Airport, resulting in minor injuries and heavy damage.
What happened
On the day of the incident, an aircraft was performing its takeoff roll at Dire Dawa-Aba Tenna Dejazmach Yilma Airport. While the aircraft was accelerating along the runway, the flight crew lost control of the vehicle. The aircraft subsequently veered off the paved surface and came to a stop.
At the time of the excursion, the airport was experiencing foggy conditions. The impact of the event resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair. Despite the severity of the damage to the airframe, all four crew members were able to evacuate the wreckage. There were no fatalities reported, and the crew sustained only minor injuries during the event.
Findings
The incident occurred during the takeoff roll phase of flight.
Reduced visibility due to fog was present during the operation.
Probable cause
The aircraft veered off the runway during takeoff roll while operating in foggy conditions.