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Runway excursion involving aircraft at takeoff (ET-AGU)

Barentu, EritreaTakeoff (climb)

On September 21, 1979, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration ET-AGU) operated by Ethiopian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Barentu, Eritrea during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft failed to maintain sufficient altitude during the takeoff rotation, leading to runway contact and a subsequent excursion. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a loss of altitude during liftoff, resulting in a runway excursion with no reported injuries.

What happened

During the takeoff phase of flight, an aircraft experienced a sudden reduction in altitude immediately following liftoff. As the plane attempted to climb, it lost sufficient height to make contact with the runway surface.

Following the impact with the pavement, the aircraft became uncontrollable and veered away from the designated runway path. The sequence of events concluded when the plane came to a complete stop off the runway.

Findings

  • There were no casualties resulting from the incident.
  • The primary factor in the excursion was the loss of altitude during liftoff.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to maintain sufficient altitude during the takeoff rotation, leading to runway contact and a subsequent excursion.

Related events

Same operator

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