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11 fatalities

Aircraft Crash Near Gondar Airport (ET-ABQ)

Gondar, EthiopiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 10, 1972, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration ET-ABQ) operated by Ethiopian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Gondar, Ethiopia during landing or approach. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the physical loss of the right wing was caused by the presence of fatigue cracks in the root. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed near Gondar Airport after a wing detached during approach, killing all 11 occupants. The official investigation attributed the loss to fatigue cracks in the wing root.

Incident Overview During an approach to Gondar Airport, an aircraft experienced a catastrophic structural failure when a wing detached from the airframe. The aircraft subsequently lost control, descended uncontrollably, and impacted the ground several kilometers from the airfield. All 11 people on board were killed in the crash. ## Investigation Findings The official investigation concluded that the physical loss of the wing was caused by the presence of fatigue cracks in the root. The report notes that the structural failure occurred during the approach phase, leading to the loss of control and the subsequent crash.

Probable cause

It is believed that the physical loss of the right wing was caused by the presence of fatigue cracks in the root.
Structural failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

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

An aircraft crashed near Gondar Airport after a wing detached during approach, killing all 11 occupants. The official investigation attributed the loss to fatigue cracks in the wing root.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Sept 1972 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 10 Sept 1972 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?

It is believed that the physical loss of the right wing was caused by the presence of fatigue cracks in the root.

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