Aircraft crash during night approach at Addis Ababa

No fatalities • Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed near Addis Ababa-Haile Selassie I Airport during a night approach under marginal weather conditions, resulting in injuries to all onboard.

What happened

During a nighttime arrival at Addis Ababa-Haile Selassie I Airport, the aircraft was operating under challenging weather conditions. While on final approach at an altitude of approximately 150 feet, the pilot-in-command identified runway 32; however, the flight path was positioned 250 feet to the right of the extended centerline. In an attempt to correct the alignment, the captain initiated a left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a loss of altitude and impacted the ground. The subsequent uncontrolled descent caused the plane to crash near the runway, where it eventually came to a stop. There were 14 injuries reported among the occupants, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Findings

Investigation into the accident revealed that the flying crew utilized an improper approach configuration. The crew proceeded with the descent despite weather conditions being below established minimums. Furthermore, the aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude without the pilot maintaining necessary visual contact with the runway or the ground. The investigation concluded that the captain failed to execute a go-around procedure as required by the prevailing visibility and altitude constraints.

Probable cause

The crew continued an approach below weather minima and passed the minimum descent altitude without visual contact with the runway, failing to initiate a necessary go-around.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-01-14 De Havilland DH.106 Comet accident near Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia?

An aircraft crashed near Addis Ababa-Haile Selassie I Airport during a night approach under marginal weather conditions, resulting in injuries to all onboard.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-01-14 De Havilland DH.106 Comet accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-01-14 involved a De Havilland DH.106 Comet, registration SU-ANI, operated by United Arab Airlines, at Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew continued an approach below weather minima and passed the minimum descent altitude without visual contact with the runway, failing to initiate a necessary go-around.

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