Investigation Summary
The flight originated in Mogadishu, stopped at Baidoa, and was on its final leg to Bardale. The aircraft was carrying medical supplies, including mosquito nets and equipment to assist in the COVID-19 response. As the aircraft approached Bardale, it reportedly arrived from the west, which was contrary to the standard eastern approach. Witnesses noted animals on the runway, which may have prompted the crew to perform a low-altitude go-around. Ethiopian troops stationed at the base, who were not expecting a flight at that time and observed the non-standard maneuvers, concluded the aircraft was a 'suicide plane' targeting their camp. They engaged the aircraft with a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun, resulting in its destruction and the death of all occupants, including four crew members and two airline employees.
Final Conclusions
The incident was a result of a tragic misidentification by ground forces in a high-tension conflict zone. The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) acknowledged that their troops fired on the aircraft because it was flying at a low altitude and exhibited unusual flight patterns that were perceived as hostile. The lack of coordination between the humanitarian flight operators and the military units on the ground, combined with the crew's decision to deviate from standard approach paths due to runway obstructions at Bardale, created a fatal misunderstanding.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
ZU-23 Anti-aircraft Cannon
A Soviet-made twin-barreled 23mm autocannon used by the Ethiopian troops to down the aircraft.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was carrying medical supplies intended for the COVID-19 pandemic response.
- 02The flight was operated by African Express Airways, a Kenyan-based airline.
- 03The Ethiopian troops involved were part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
- 04The aircraft was a 1992-built Embraer EMB-120RT Brasilia.
- 05The victims included a captain, co-pilot, flight engineer, trainee pilot, and two airline staff members.
Safety Actions & Advisories
AMISOM Investigation
The African Union Mission in Somalia launched an investigation into the lack of communication between military units and civilian flight operations in the region.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Legality of Ethiopian Presence
Reference ↗Questions were raised regarding whether the Ethiopian troops involved were officially part of the AMISOM mandate or were operating independently within Somalia at the time of the incident.