On October 7, 1981, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration ET-AHR) operated by Ethiopian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kombolcha-Dessie, Ethiopia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of a main landing gear component during the landing phase caused the aircraft to strike the ground on its belly. 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.
An aircraft sustained substantial damage after a main landing gear failure occurred during the landing phase.
What happened
During the landing sequence, the aircraft experienced a structural failure involving one of its main landing gear components. As the plane touched down, the collapsed gear caused the airframe to descend onto its underbelly. The movement continued until the aircraft reached a complete stop on the runway.
Findings
There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported following the incident.
The impact resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss, as it was damaged beyond repair.
The primary factor in the accident was the collapse of a main landing gear unit during touchdown.
Probable cause
The failure of a main landing gear component during the landing phase caused the aircraft to strike the ground on its belly.
What happened in the 7 Oct 1981 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Kombolcha-Dessie, Ethiopia?
An aircraft sustained substantial damage after a main landing gear failure occurred during the landing phase.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Oct 1981 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 7 Oct 1981 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration ET-AHR, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, at Kombolcha-Dessie, Ethiopia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of a main landing gear component during the landing phase caused the aircraft to strike the ground on its belly.
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