On June 22, 1986, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration ET-AIQ) operated by Ethiopian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Dembidolo, Ethiopia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew's failure to maintain safe altitude during a night approach led to an aerodynamic stall while attempting to clear terrain. 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.
An aircraft crashed into hilly terrain near Dembidolo after the crew failed to maintain proper altitude during a night approach in low visibility.
What happened
During a nighttime approach to Dembidolo, an aircraft encountered heavy stratus cloud cover. While navigating the approach, the crew did not recognize that the plane had descended to an insufficient altitude. As the aircraft approached mountainous terrain, the crew attempted to climb by increasing engine power. However, this maneuver resulted in an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently lost altitude and struck hilly ground located a short distance from the airfield.
Findings
The flight was operating under night conditions with low visibility due to stratus clouds.
The crew failed to maintain the required altitude during the approach phase.
The aircraft entered a stall following an attempt to increase climb performance near terrain.
There were 20 injuries reported among the occupants, with no fatalities recorded.
The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Probable cause
The crew's failure to maintain safe altitude during a night approach led to an aerodynamic stall while attempting to clear terrain.