What happened
On a mission organized for the World Food Programme, a four-engine aircraft departed from Djibouti City, bound for Addis Ababa. The flight was transporting various food supplies and was operated by a crew of four. Shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb phase, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report a technical malfunction involving the main landing gear.
In response to the mechanical issue, the pilot was granted permission to return to the departure airport. As the crew began an aerial turn to reposition the plane, the aircraft collided with the slope of Mt Arey, situated a short distance from Djibouti. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were four fatalities among the crew members, with no survivors recorded.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a mechanical failure regarding the main landing gear during the climb.
- The collision occurred while the aircraft was performing a maneuver to return to the airfield.