On July 23, 1969, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration F-OCKT) operated by Air Djibouti was involved in an aviation accident near Khor Ambadu, Djibouti in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight collision with a flock of birds (cranes) caused major damages to engines and propellers, necessitating an emergency landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After striking a flock of cranes at 300 feet, an aircraft suffered engine and propeller damage, forcing a ditching 14 km off Khor Ambadu. All four occupants were rescued by a merchant ship.
Incident Overview
An aircraft departing from Tadjoura Airport experienced a bird strike while cruising at an altitude of 300 feet. The collision involved a flock of cranes, each weighing at least six kilograms. The impact caused some propeller blades to detach and blocked both carburettors, leading to a powerplant malfunction.
Ditching and Rescue
Faced with the powerplant failure, the crew executed an emergency ditching approximately 14 kilometers off Khor Ambadu. A merchant ship in the vicinity quickly responded and rescued all four occupants. The aircraft subsequently sank and was lost.
Damage and Cause
The bird strike resulted in major damage to the engines and propellers. The official finding states that the in-flight collision with the flock of cranes necessitated the emergency landing.
Probable cause
In-flight collision with a flock of birds (cranes) caused major damages to engines and propellers, necessitating an emergency landing.
What happened in the 23 Jul 1969 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Khor Ambadu, Djibouti?
After striking a flock of cranes at 300 feet, an aircraft suffered engine and propeller damage, forcing a ditching 14 km off Khor Ambadu. All four occupants were rescued by a merchant ship.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 1969 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jul 1969 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration F-OCKT, operated by Air Djibouti, at Khor Ambadu, Djibouti.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
In-flight collision with a flock of birds (cranes) caused major damages to engines and propellers, necessitating an emergency landing.
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