1 fatality

Aircraft crash near Lalibella Airport following ground fire (ET-ABR)

Lalibella, EthiopiaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 14, 1975, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration ET-ABR) operated by Ethiopian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Lalibella, Ethiopia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was struck by projectiles from ground-based fire, causing a loss of altitude and a crash short of the runway. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed during its approach to Lalibella Airport after being struck by gunfire from the ground, resulting in at least one fatality.

What happened

During the final approach phase to Lalibella Airport, an unidentified aircraft type was subjected to ground-based fire. The impact of the projectiles caused the plane to lose necessary altitude while maneuvering toward the airfield. Consequently, the aircraft was unable to maintain its flight path and crashed at a location short of the runway.

Initial reports from the scene indicate that the accident resulted in at least one fatality among the occupants. There is no specific information regarding the total number of injuries sustained during the impact or the exact identity of the operator involved in the incident.

Findings

Official investigations into the crash concluded that the primary factor leading to the loss of control was that the aircraft was shot down by ground fire. The kinetic impact or damage from the weapons caused the sudden descent and subsequent impact with the terrain before the runway could be reached.

Probable cause

The aircraft was struck by projectiles from ground-based fire, causing a loss of altitude and a crash short of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Mar 1975 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Lalibella, Ethiopia?

An aircraft crashed during its approach to Lalibella Airport after being struck by gunfire from the ground, resulting in at least one fatality.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Mar 1975 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Mar 1975 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration ET-ABR, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, at Lalibella, Ethiopia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was struck by projectiles from ground-based fire, causing a loss of altitude and a crash short of the runway.