On May 4, 2020, an Embraer EMB-120 Brasília (registration 5Y-AXO) operated by African Express Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Bardale, Somalia during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by non-AMISOM Ethiopian troops due to lack of communication and awareness, after it was suspected of being a suicide attacker. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft crashed 5 km from Bardale Airstrip, bursting into flames and killing all five occupants. The aircraft was en route from Mogadiscio to Bardale with a stop in Baidao, carrying medical supplies and mosquito nets.
Accident
On approach to Bardale Airstrip, a twin-engine aircraft struck the ground and crashed 5 km from the airport. The aircraft burst into flames and was totally destroyed. All five occupants were killed. The crew was en route from Mogadiscio to Bardale with an en route stop in Baidao, carrying medical supplies and mosquito nets.
Investigation
The official investigation found that the aircraft was arriving at Bardale Forward Operating Base (FOB). The usual landing direction is east-west, but the aircraft was flying from west to east, intending to land over the base camp. Although troops did not initially shoot it down, the aircraft crashed on the ground and appeared not ready to land. Troops suspected the aircraft was attempting a suicide attack due to its movement. Due to lack of communication and awareness, the aircraft was shot down by non-AMISOM Ethiopian troops. All five occupants—three Kenyan and two Somali citizens—died. The investigation recommended a collaborative investigation team from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya to determine the truth.
Probable cause
The aircraft was shot down by non-AMISOM Ethiopian troops due to lack of communication and awareness, after it was suspected of being a suicide attacker. The aircraft was flying from west to east, contrary to the usual east-west landing direction at Bardale FOB.
