On July 20, 1981, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration 6O-SAY) operated by Somali Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Balad, Somalia during takeoff. 50 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered a spiral dive after encountering strong vertical gusts. Loads during the dive increased to approximately 5.76 g, exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft and causing its right wing to separate. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine airplane crashed near Balad, Somalia, eight minutes after takeoff from Mogadishu Airport, after encountering severe turbulence and heavy rain. All 50 occupants were killed.
Accident Details
A twin-engine airplane crashed in a field near Balad, approximately 38 km northeast of Mogadishu Airport, eight minutes after takeoff. The aircraft had departed from Mogadishu Airport and was climbing when it entered a thunderstorm area characterized by heavy rainfall and severe turbulence. The airplane went out of control and entered a dive. Due to excessive g loads, the right wing detached, and the airplane subsequently crashed. All 50 occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the aircraft entered a spiral dive after encountering strong vertical gusts. During the dive, loads increased to approximately 5.76 g, exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft and causing the right wing to separate. The flight crew were believed to have erred in taking off during known thunderstorm conditions.
What happened in the 20 Jul 1981 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Balad, Somalia?
A twin-engine airplane crashed near Balad, Somalia, eight minutes after takeoff from Mogadishu Airport, after encountering severe turbulence and heavy rain. All 50 occupants were killed.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jul 1981 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 50 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Jul 1981 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration 6O-SAY, operated by Somali Airlines, at Balad, Somalia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft entered a spiral dive after encountering strong vertical gusts. Loads during the dive increased to approximately 5.76 g, exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft and causing its right wing to separate. The flight crew were believed to have erred in taking off during known thunderstorm conditions.
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