Crash of a Boeing 767 in Moroni: 125 killed

Date & Time: Nov 23, 1996 at 1515 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
ET-AIZ
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Addis Ababa – Nairobi – Brazzaville – Lagos – Abidjan
MSN:
23916
YOM:
1987
Flight number:
ET961
Region:
Crew on board:
12
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
163
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
125
Captain / Total flying hours:
11525
Captain / Total hours on type:
4067.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
6570
Copilot / Total hours on type:
3042
Aircraft flight hours:
32353
Aircraft flight cycles:
12623
Circumstances:
Ethiopian Airlines flight ET961 had taken off from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at 08:09 hours UTC for a scheduled flight to Abidjan, Ivory Coast via Nairobi, Kenya; Brazzaville, Congo; and Lagos, Nigeria. Twenty minutes after takeoff, at about 08:29 UTC, one passenger stood up from his seat and ran up the aisle to the cockpit, and two other passengers followed him heading for the cockpit. While rushing to the cockpit one of the men said "Everybody should be seated, I have a bomb!". Then they opened the cockpit door and stormed in. They declared to the pilots that there were eleven hijackers on board and beat the First Officer and forced him out of the cockpit. They then grabbed the fire axe and fire extinguisher bottle from their respective stowages and ordered the pilot-in-command to change direction and fly to Australia. The pilot-in-command explained to the hijackers that he had not enough fuel to reach Australia and demanded to make a refueling stop at Mombasa. The hijackers refused the refueling stop and continued arguing with the pilot-in-command. They insisted that they had learned from the inflight magazine that the B767 could fly 11 hours without refueling. After passing Dar es Salaam one of the hijackers ordered him to fly away from the coast, head to Australia and indicating to the altimeter not to descend below FL390. The pilot-in-command turned left towards the Comoros Island. The lead hijacker was sitting in the first officer's seat and was fiddling with the aircraft's controls, kicking the rudder, whilst also drinking whisky. The pilot-in-command kept on telling them that he was running short of fuel pointing to the fuel quantity indicators, but the hijackers did not listen. The leader continued fiddling with the controls, trying to turn the aileron and pulling the reverse thrust lever at random. As the flight came over the Comoros Islands the pilot-in-command saw the Moroni International Airport runway and circled 15-20 nm south of the field. Then the LOW FUEL CAUTION came on. The pilot-in-command pleaded to land because of low fuel. The hijackers were unconcerned and only insisted that the pilot not descend below FL390. At about 11:41 UTC the right engine ran down to wind milling speed. The pilot-in-command showed the red warning message for the right engine on the EICAS to the hijacker. At this moment, the hijacker left the right seat and went to the cabin door to discuss with the other two hijackers. This gave the captain the opportunity to pick up his microphone and address the passengers: "....ladies and gentlemen this is your pilot, we have run out of fuel and we are losing one engine this time, and we are expecting crash landing and that is all I have to say. we have lost already one engine, and I ask all passengers to react ..... to the hijackers ....". The hijacker then came back to the cockpit and hit the microphone out of the pilot's hand. After the right engine failed, the pilot started to descend the aircraft in order to increase speed, but the hijacker again interfered and violently played with the controls which resulted in improper control inputs. As a result the autopilot was disconnected and the flight became erratic with the airspeed varying between 216 and 336 kts. As the pilot regained control of the aircraft, the left engine went dead. The hijacker kept on instructing the pilot not to descend and again went to the cabin. Upon returning to the cockpit he saw that the altitude was decreasing, and angrily shouted at the pilot not to go any lower. The pilot said that the fuel was already finished and that the engines were without power. This time the hijacker instructed the captain not to touch the controls, and threatened to kill him. The captain said, "I am already dead because I am flying an airplane without engine power." The first officer, who had earlier been forced out to the First Class cabin, got up and, via the right aisle, went to the rear of the aircraft where he saw that a lot of economy class passengers had their life jackets on and that some had already inflated them. The first officer, along with the cabin crew members, helped the passengers to deflate the life jackets and showed them how the jackets should be re-inflated and how to assume the brace position during impact. While returning to the front of the aircraft, they repeated the same instructions as many times as they could. About less than 2 minutes before the ditching, the co-pilot forced his way to the cockpit shouting "let me help the pilot ...". After adjusting his seat and seat belts the pilot asked him for help since the controls were heavy. The hijackers still kept on struggling with the controls. By now, the aircraft was descending into the Indian Ocean over the Comoros Islands. The aircraft now had only standby instruments and RAT (Ram Air Turbine). The altimeter was indicating 150 feet and the airspeed was 200 kts. By this time the flight crew had been left alone to assume control. They turned the aircraft to the left in order to parallel the waves. However, the aircraft brushed the water in a left-wing-low attitude. It was then held straight and level after which it broke into four sections and came to rest in the sheltered waters 500 metres off Le Galawa Beach. Of the 175 occupants, 6 crew members and 119 passengers were fatally injured in the accident. Six crew members and 38 passengers sustained serious injuries, 2 passengers sustained minor injuries and 4 passengers received no injury.
Probable cause:
The Investigation Committee determines that the cause of this accident was unlawful interference by the hijackers which resulted in loss of engines thrust due to fuel exhaustion.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-T1040 Cheyenne II in Nairobi: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jan 25, 1995 at 0348 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
5Y-UAC
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Nairobi - Mogadishu
MSN:
31-8375002
YOM:
1983
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Nairobi-Wilson Airport runway 07 by night, while in initial climb, the pilot declared an emergency and reported engine problems. He was cleared to divert to the nearest airport of Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta. Shortly later, while on approach to runway 06, the pilot attempted to avoid a collision with power cables when control was lost. The aircraft rolled to the left and crashed in a field located 4,5 km short of runway. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
An investigation of the wreckage showed that the right propeller had been feathered prior to impact. It was also discovered that the beta block for the right propeller had probably been missing prior to impact, which would have allowed the reversing lever to move freely around. Other components of the reverser system for the right propeller were found to be 'badly worn'. No discussion of the reverser system is included in the analysis and no conclusions as to the significance of the apparent damage to the system are included in the accident report.

Crash of a Boeing 707-321C in Nairobi: 10 killed

Date & Time: Dec 4, 1990
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
ST-SAC
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Khartoum - Nairobi
MSN:
19377
YOM:
1967
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
10
Circumstances:
On approach to Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta Airport, the crew encountered limited visibility due to poor weather conditions. As the crew was unable to locate the runway, the captain decided to abandon the approach and initiated a go-around manoeuver. Few minutes later, while completing a second attempt to land, the aircraft descended below the glide when it struck power cables and crashed 4 km short of runway 06, bursting into flames. All 10 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the crew descended below the MDA to establish a visual contact with the ground while approaching the airport in a 500 meters visibility due to fog. The crew failed to follow the published go-around procedures and at the time of the accident, the aircraft was not equipped with a GPWS system.

Crash of a Boeing 707-351B in Addis Ababa

Date & Time: Jul 11, 1989
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5Y-BBK
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Addis Ababa - Nairobi
MSN:
19872
YOM:
1968
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
10
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
66
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Addis Ababa-Bole Airport, while climbing, the crew encountered technical problems with the undercarriage that could not be raised. Decision was taken to return for a safe landing but after touchdown, due to the malfunction of the hydraulic systems, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. The aircraft overran, lost its undercarriage and came to rest. All 76 occupants were evacuated, among them six passengers were slightly injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Failure of the hydraulic systems for unknown reasons.

Crash of a Boeing 707-330B in Nairobi

Date & Time: May 17, 1989
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
6O-SBT
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Nairobi - Mogadishu
MSN:
19316
YOM:
1967
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
13
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
57
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll at Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta Airport, the captain decided to abandon the takeoff procedure and initiated an emergency braking maneuver. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran, lost its undercarriage and came to rest few dozen meters past the runway end. All 70 occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Fokker F27 Friendship 200 in Kisumu

Date & Time: Jul 10, 1988 at 0546 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5Y-BBS
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Nairobi - Kisumu
MSN:
10213
YOM:
1962
Flight number:
KQ650
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
39
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
On final approach to Kisumu Airport, both pilots were focused on discussions about various subjects and failed to monitor the instruments and the approach procedure. The aircraft landed on its belly and slid for few hundred meters before coming to rest on the runway. All 43 occupants were rescued, among them five passengers were slightly injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the attention of the crew was focused on various discussions unrelated to the flight operations. Distracted, the crew failed to follow the approach checklist and failed to lower the landing gear. Also, the crew failed to monitor the instruments, causing the aircraft to land at an excessive speed.

Crash of a Lockheed C-141B Starlifter at Sigonella NAS: 9 killed

Date & Time: Jul 12, 1984
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
64-0624
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Sigonella – Nairobi – Diego Garcia
MSN:
300-6037
YOM:
1964
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
8
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Aircraft flight hours:
27379
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, the engine n°3 exploded. Debris from the engine and the nacelle hit the engine n°4 and penetrated the fuselage as well. The engine n°4 lost power and the aircraft stalled and crashed in a huge explosion, killing all nine occupants. The aircraft was en route to the island of Diego Garcia via Nairobi, carrying a load of paint.
Probable cause:
It was determined that a fire erupted in the cargo compartment and that toxic fumes emanated from the paints, most of them consisting of cyanure. The crew was quickly asphyxiated by these toxic fumes.

Crash of a Canadair CL-44D4-6 in Nairobi

Date & Time: Jul 6, 1978
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
G-BCWJ
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Mombasa - Kigali
MSN:
28
YOM:
1961
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Mombasa-Moi Airport, the crew reported technical problems with the right main gear that would not lock up. The captain decided to divert to Nairobi to complete an emergency landing. Upon touchdown at Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta Airport, the right main gear collapsed. The airplane slid on its belly and came to rest. All four crew members were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. It was carrying 17 tons of cement from Mombasa to Kigali.

Crash of a Boeing 707-321C in Lusaka: 6 killed

Date & Time: May 14, 1977 at 1433 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
G-BEBP
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
London - Athens - Nairobi - Lusaka
MSN:
18579/332
YOM:
1963
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
6782
Captain / Total hours on type:
115.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
13745
Copilot / Total hours on type:
2482
Aircraft flight hours:
47621
Aircraft flight cycles:
16723
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a cargo flight from London to Lusaka with intermediate stops in Athens and Nairobi. Following an uneventful flight from Nairobi, a clearance was given to descend further down to FL70 in 1,000 feet steps. At 09:28 the copilot reported that the airfield was in sight. Lusaka then cleared the aircraft to descend to 6,000 feet (2,221 feet above runway elevation) and moments later a clearance was given to make a visual approach for runway 10. At 09:32 flaps were selected to 50°. Suddenly, at 09:33, the complete right-hand horizontal stabilizer and elevator assembly were seen to separate in flight. The aircraft pitched rapidly nose down and dived vertically into the ground from a height of about 800 feet. The main wreckage was located 3,660 meters from the runway threshold. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all six occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The accident was caused by a loss of pitch control following the in-flight separation of the right hand horizontal stabilizer and elevator as a result of a combination of metal fatigue and inadequate failsafe design in the rear spar structure. Shortcomings in design assessment, certification and inspection procedures were contributory factors.
Final Report:

Crash of a Boeing 747-130 in Nairobi: 59 killed

Date & Time: Nov 20, 1974 at 0754 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
D-ABYB
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Frankfurt - Nairobi - Johannesburg
MSN:
19747/29
YOM:
1970
Flight number:
LH540
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
17
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
140
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
59
Captain / Total flying hours:
10464
Captain / Total hours on type:
1619.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
3418
Copilot / Total hours on type:
2237
Aircraft flight hours:
16781
Circumstances:
The four engine airplane named 'Hessen' lifted off from runway 24 at a speed of 145 knots. During initial climb, at a height of 100 feet, the airplane stalled and struck the ground 1,120 meters past the runway end. It flew again for about 114 meters then struck an embankment and crashed in flames 340 meters further. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. 55 passengers and 4 crew members were killed while 98 other occupants were injured.
Probable cause:
Wrong takeoff configuration on part of the flying crew. The accident was caused by the crew initiating a take-off with the leading edge flaps retracted because the pneumatic system which operates them had not been switched on. This resulted in the aircraft becoming airborne in a partially stalled condition which the pilots did not identify in the short time available to them for recovery. Major contributory factors were the lack of warning of a critical condition of leading edge flap position and the failure of the crew to complete satisfactorily their checklist items.
Final Report: