No fatalities

Runway excursion at Mbeya Airport (5H-AAK)

Mbeya, TanzaniaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 5, 1973, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 5H-AAK) operated by East African Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Mbeya, Tanzania during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the runway after touchdown due to a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 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 experienced a loss of control during the landing phase at Mbeya Airport, resulting in a runway excursion with no reported injuries.

What happened

During the landing phase at Mbeya Airport, an aircraft lost directional control immediately following touchdown on the runway. The movement caused the plane to veer off the paved surface and come to a stop in the surrounding area.

Despite the excursion from the runway, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among those on board. The aircraft remained intact following the incident, though it did not remain on the active runway.

Findings

Information regarding the specific mechanical or environmental factors that led to the loss of control during the landing roll was not provided in the initial report.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway after touchdown due to a loss of directional control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 1973 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Mbeya, Tanzania?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during the landing phase at Mbeya Airport, resulting in a runway excursion with no reported injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 1973 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 5 Jul 1973 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 5H-AAK, operated by East African Airways, at Mbeya, Tanzania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway after touchdown due to a loss of directional control.