5 fatalities

1970-05-06: Vickers Viscount (6O-AAJ) — Somali Airlines — Mogadishu, Somalia

Mogadishu, SomaliaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 6, 1970, a Vickers Viscount (registration 6O-AAJ) operated by Somali Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mogadishu, Somalia during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Intense fire of unknown nature and origin (beneath the floor at row 6) which probably resulted in loss of flight controls. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781236333Data APIEditorial standards

A fire under the cabin floor during final approach resulted in loss of control and a hard nose-first landing. The aircraft slid 900 meters and caught fire; 25 occupants injured and five children died.

Accident Overview

On final approach, a fire ignited beneath the cabin floor. The pilots experienced a complete loss of control, yet the aircraft continued the approach. It touched down hard, nose first, on runway 24 at a speed of 130 knots. Upon impact, the nose gear was torn off. The airplane then slid for 900 meters before coming to rest engulfed in flames.

Injuries and Fatalities

Twenty-five occupants sustained injuries. Five children remained in the cabin and died.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an intense fire of unknown nature and origin, located beneath the floor at row 6. This fire likely resulted in the loss of flight controls.