Were there any fatalities in the 1999-08-29 Learjet 35 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-08-29 involved a Learjet 35, registration N350JF, operated by Corporate Jets, at Adwa, Ethiopia.

Ferry Aircraft Shot Down Over Ethiopia, Both Pilots Killed (N350JF)

On August 29, 1999, a Learjet 35 (registration N350JF) operated by Corporate Jets was involved in an aviation accident near Adwa, Ethiopia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: According to Ethiopian Authorities, the aircraft was shot down after it penetrated the Ethiopian airspace without valid clearance. At the time of the accident, the area was declared as a non-flying zone and the route was closed to all traffic via a NOTAM. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781204152Data API Editorial standards

A ferry aircraft was shot down by Ethiopian ground fire after crossing into restricted airspace near Adwa. Both pilots, a British and a Swedish citizen, were killed.

Flight Details

The aircraft departed Naples, Italy, on a ferry flight to Lanseria, South Africa, with intermediate stops in Luxor and Nairobi. The aircraft was being ferried to South Africa for refurbishment after being purchased by a new owner. Due to border-crossing prohibitions, a second flight plan was filed via Djibouti City.

Incident

While cruising at an altitude of 41,000 feet, the aircraft deviated from its initial route and crossed the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia. At 1630 local time, the aircraft was shot down by ground fire, entered a dive, and crashed near the city of Adwa. The aircraft was totally destroyed.

Both pilots—a British citizen and a Swedish citizen—were killed. Three days of negotiation with the Ethiopian government were required to clear a rescue team to visit the crash site.

Official Findings

According to Ethiopian authorities, the aircraft was shot down after it penetrated Ethiopian airspace without valid clearance. At the time of the accident, the area was declared a no-fly zone and the route was closed to all traffic via a NOTAM. The aircraft was mistaken for an Eritrean fighter aircraft with hostile intention and was therefore shot down by the Ethiopian Defense Force and destroyed.

Probable cause

According to Ethiopian Authorities, the aircraft was shot down after it penetrated the Ethiopian airspace without valid clearance. At the time of the accident, the area was declared as a non-flying zone and the route was closed to all traffic via a NOTAM. The aircraft was mistaken for an Eritrean fighter aircraft with hostile intention and was therefore shot down by the Ethiopian Defense Force and destroyed.

1999-08-29: Learjet 35 (N350JF) — Corporate Jets — Adwa, Ethiopia