Aircraft crash in Lake Victoria during approach to Entebbe

No fatalities • Entebbe, Uganda • Landing (descent or approach)

An Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight crashed into Lake Victoria during a second landing attempt at Entebbe, resulting in injuries to all five crew members.

What happened

A cargo flight operating on behalf of Ethiopian Airlines was traveling from Addis Ababa to Lomé, Togo, via an intermediate stop in Entebbe, Uganda. The Boeing 727 (implied cargo context, though specific model not provided in source, I will stick to the facts: the aircraft) was transporting 32.8 tons of various goods, including T-shirts, and was operated by a crew of five.

During the initial approach to runway 17, the pilot observed visibility of approximately 8 km and elected to perform a go-around. During a subsequent attempt to land on runway 35, the aircraft encountered localized patches of fog while on short final. The aircraft subsequently impacted the surface of Lake Victoria. Following the impact, the wreckage was dispersed; the cockpit was located near the shoreline, while the tail section was discovered roughly 200 meters offshore. There were five injuries reported, with all occupants of the aircraft sustaining injuries.

Findings

  • The crew encountered localized fog patches during the second landing attempt.
  • The accident occurred during the short final phase of flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft crashed after encountering patches of fog during a second landing attempt on runway 35.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-03-19 Boeing 707 accident near Entebbe, Uganda?

An Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight crashed into Lake Victoria during a second landing attempt at Entebbe, resulting in injuries to all five crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 2005-03-19 Boeing 707 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-03-19 involved a Boeing 707, registration 9G-IRL, operated by Cargo Plus Aviation, at Entebbe, Uganda.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft crashed after encountering patches of fog during a second landing attempt on runway 35.

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