On July 25, 1990, a Boeing 707 (registration ET-ACQ) operated by Ethiopian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both engine n°2 and 3 lost power after being hit by a flock of pigeons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff at Addis Ababa-Bole Airport, an aircraft struck pigeons, lost power on two engines, aborted takeoff, overran runway, and was written off. All four crew members escaped uninjured.
Accident
During the takeoff roll on runway 07 at Addis Ababa-Bole Airport, at a speed of approximately 100 knots, the captain observed pigeons near the runway. Shortly thereafter, power dropped on engines number 2 and 3. The crew decided to abort the takeoff and initiated emergency braking. Unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, the aircraft overran the runway, losing its undercarriage. It then descended an embankment and came to rest, broken into two sections.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was written off. All four crew members on board escaped uninjured.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that both engines number 2 and 3 lost power after being struck by a flock of pigeons.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Jul 1990 Boeing 707 accident near Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia?
During takeoff at Addis Ababa-Bole Airport, an aircraft struck pigeons, lost power on two engines, aborted takeoff, overran runway, and was written off. All four crew members escaped uninjured.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jul 1990 Boeing 707 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jul 1990 involved a Boeing 707, registration ET-ACQ, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, at Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Both engine n°2 and 3 lost power after being hit by a flock of pigeons.
