On July 15, 1960, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration ET-T-18) operated by Ethiopian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Jimma, Ethiopia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged the weather conditions in that he continued to fly into deteriorating weather conditions while trying to maintain visual flight rules, and he misjudged the performance capabilities of the aircraft in that he attempted to climb at a speed… 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.
A flight from Bulki to Jimma struck a mountain about 27 km south of the airfield after encountering poor weather. One pilot was killed and ten occupants injured. The accident was attributed to pilot misjudgment of weather and aircraft performance.
Accident Details
On a flight from Bulki to Jimma, an aircraft carrying a crew of three, eight passengers, and a load of coffee departed Bulki at 1204 LT. During the approach to Jimma, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions. The aircraft was flying too low and struck the slope of a mountain located approximately 27 km south of the airfield. The impact resulted in injuries to ten occupants and the death of one pilot.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the accident was caused by the following factors:
The pilot misjudged the weather conditions by continuing to fly into deteriorating weather while attempting to maintain visual flight rules.
The pilot misjudged the performance capabilities of the aircraft by attempting to climb at a speed below the minimum safe climbing speed.
What happened in the 15 Jul 1960 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Jimma, Ethiopia?
A flight from Bulki to Jimma struck a mountain about 27 km south of the airfield after encountering poor weather. One pilot was killed and ten occupants injured. The accident was attributed to pilot misjudgment of weather and aircraft performance.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jul 1960 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 15 Jul 1960 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration ET-T-18, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, at Jimma, Ethiopia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot misjudged the weather conditions in that he continued to fly into deteriorating weather conditions while trying to maintain visual flight rules, and he misjudged the performance capabilities of the aircraft in that he attempted to climb at a speed below the minimum safe climbing speed of the aircraft.
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