No fatalities

1954-01-24: De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (VP-KEA) — East African Airways — Butiaba, Uganda

Butiaba, UgandaTakeoff (climb)

On January 24, 1954, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration VP-KEA) operated by East African Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Butiaba, Uganda during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the mishap remains unclear. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781252480Data APIEditorial standards

Writer Ernest Hemingway and his wife Mary survived a Cessna 180 crash in Uganda on January 23, then were injured in a second crash of a chartered DH.89 during takeoff.

First Crash

On January 23, American writer Ernest Hemingway and his wife Mary were completing a safari in the region of the Muchison Falls in Uganda. Their Cessna 180, registered VP-KLI, struck a utility pole and crashed into a field. Both were wounded in the accident.

Second Crash

Following the initial crash, it was decided to transfer the Hemingways to Entebbe. A de Havilland DH.89 Dragon operated by East African Airways was chartered for the transfer. During takeoff from Butiaba Airstrip, the Dragon exploded and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed. All four occupants, including the pilot and the two Hemingways, sustained serious injuries and burns.

Official Findings

The exact cause of the mishap remains unclear.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the mishap remains unclear.