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30 fatalities

Aircraft Shot Down Near Hargeisa Airport (6O-SAZ)

Hargeisa, SomaliaTakeoff (climb)

On June 28, 1989, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration 6O-SAZ) operated by Somali Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Hargeisa, Somalia during takeoff. 30 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile shot by rebels of the National Movement of Somalia (NMS). 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a desert area ten minutes after takeoff from Hargeisa Airport, killing all 30 occupants. The official investigation attributed the loss to a surface-to-air missile fired by rebels.

Incident Overview and Outcome A twin-engine aircraft departed Hargeisa Airport and was climbing when it lost control approximately ten minutes after takeoff. The aircraft entered a dive and struck the ground in a desert area. The impact caused the airframe to disintegrate, and all 30 people on board were killed. No aircraft type, registration, operator, or specific date is provided in the source material. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation concluded that the aircraft was believed to have been shot down by a surface-to-air missile. The missile was attributed to rebels associated with the National Movement of Somalia (NMS).

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jun 1989 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Hargeisa, Somalia?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a desert area ten minutes after takeoff from Hargeisa Airport, killing all 30 occupants. The official investigation attributed the loss to a surface-to-air missile fired by rebels.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jun 1989 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 30 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jun 1989 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration 6O-SAZ, operated by Somali Airlines, at Hargeisa, Somalia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is believed the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile shot by rebels of the National Movement of Somalia (NMS).

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