No fatalities

Engine Failure Forces Belly Landing Near Robe Airport (ET-AGO)

Robe (Goba), EthiopiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 28, 1987, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration ET-AGO) operated by Ethiopian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Robe (Goba), Ethiopia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff from Robe Airport, a twin-engine aircraft suffered a left engine power loss and severe vibrations, prompting an emergency belly landing in a field. All seven occupants evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

Shortly after departing from Robe Airport, an aircraft experienced a loss of power in its left engine during the initial climb. The engine's revolutions per minute (rpm) dropped to 1,500, and the crew encountered severe vibrations. The captain decided to return to the airport and attempt a landing on runway 15. However, realizing that the aircraft would not reach the runway, the captain opted for an emergency landing.

Emergency Landing

The aircraft executed a belly landing in an open field located approximately 2 kilometers north of the airport. All seven occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Response and Aftermath

Emergency services responded to the scene. The cause of the left engine power loss has not been determined at this time.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Dec 1987 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Robe (Goba), Ethiopia?

After takeoff from Robe Airport, a twin-engine aircraft suffered a left engine power loss and severe vibrations, prompting an emergency belly landing in a field. All seven occupants evacuated safely.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Dec 1987 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 28 Dec 1987 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration ET-AGO, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, at Robe (Goba), Ethiopia.