On August 24, 1982, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration ET-AHP) operated by Ethiopian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mekele-Alula Aba Nega, Ethiopia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the runway due to a loss of control triggered by a tire failure during the takeoff roll. 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 veered off the runway during its takeoff roll at Mekele-Alula Aba Nega Airport following a tire failure.
What happened
While performing a takeoff roll at Mekele-Alula Aba Nega Airport, an aircraft experienced a sudden tire burst. This mechanical failure caused the aircraft to lose stability and go out of control. As a result of the loss of directional control, the plane veered off the runway surface and eventually came to a stop.
There were no fatalities or injuries reported among the occupants during the incident. The aircraft remained intact following the excursion from the runway.
Findings
The primary factor in the loss of control was a tire burst occurring during the takeoff phase.
Probable cause
The aircraft veered off the runway due to a loss of control triggered by a tire failure during the takeoff roll.