Runway excursion involving aircraft during landing

No fatalities • Degehabur, Ethiopia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a drainage ditch during landing, resulting in no injuries but significant damage to the plane.

What happened

During the final stages of the approach, the co-pilot served as the pilot-in-command and successfully managed the descent. However, immediately before the aircraft made contact with the runway, the captain identified that the flight had become unstable because of unfavorable wind conditions. In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft and regain proper control, the crew continued the landing sequence.

Upon touchdown, the aircraft became uncontrollable and drifted toward the right side of the runway. The plane subsequently exited the paved surface and collided with a drainage ditch. The impact caused the loss of the left main landing gear. Despite the severity of the excursion, all 13 occupants managed to exit the aircraft without any injuries. The aircraft was determined to be a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor contributing to the accident was unstable flight conditions caused by unfavorable winds during the final approach phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to manage an unstable approach under adverse wind conditions led to a loss of directional control upon landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-10-25 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Degehabur, Ethiopia?

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a drainage ditch during landing, resulting in no injuries but significant damage to the plane.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-10-25 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 1978-10-25 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration ET-AGQ, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, at Degehabur, Ethiopia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to manage an unstable approach under adverse wind conditions led to a loss of directional control upon landing.

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