Fatal aircraft accident near Gondar Airport

11 fatalities • Gondar, Ethiopia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed a short distance from Gondar Airport during its approach, resulting in the deaths of all 11 people on board.

What happened

During the final approach phase to Gondar Airport, the aircraft experienced a catastrophic structural failure when the left wing became detached from the fuselage. Following this separation, the plane lost aerodynamic stability and entered an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft struck the ground a few kilometers away from the airfield.

There were 11 fatalities recorded in the accident, with no survivors among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the structural failure indicated that the separation of the wing was linked to the presence of fatigue cracks located at the wing root. The development of these cracks led to the physical loss of the wing during flight.

Probable cause

The structural integrity of the wing was compromised by fatigue cracks at the wing root, leading to its detachment.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-09-10 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Gondar, Ethiopia?

An aircraft crashed a short distance from Gondar Airport during its approach, resulting in the deaths of all 11 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-09-10 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 11 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-09-10 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration ET-ABQ, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, at Gondar, Ethiopia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The structural integrity of the wing was compromised by fatigue cracks at the wing root, leading to its detachment.

Loading the flight search…