Investigation Summary
The aircraft, registration EW-78849, had arrived in Mogadishu to support the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). It was carrying technicians and parts intended to repair a sister aircraft, EW-78826, which had been struck by an RPG on March 9, 2007. Having completed the repair mission, EW-78849 was departing for Minsk via a refueling stop in Djibouti, transporting the repair crew and their specialized equipment back to Belarus. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a problem with engine number two and initiated a return to the airport. During this maneuver, the aircraft was struck by a projectile. While Somali officials initially attributed the crash to technical failure, Belarusian authorities and independent monitors concluded the aircraft was targeted by Islamist militants. The Small Arms Survey later identified the weapon used as a 9K38 Igla (SA-18) man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) fired by al-Shabaab.
Final Conclusions
The investigation by Belarusian authorities and findings from the Small Arms Survey 2008 Yearbook concluded the aircraft was destroyed by international terrorism. Specifically, it was determined that al-Shabaab militants fired two 9K38 Igla missiles at the aircraft, one of which successfully struck the wing. The resulting structural failure and fire made the aircraft uncontrollable at low altitude.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
9K38 Igla (SA-18)
A Russian-made man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) used by militants to target the aircraft during its low-altitude return to the airport.
Engine No. 2
Reported as failing by the pilot shortly after takeoff, prompting the emergency return that brought the aircraft into the range of ground-based weapons.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was carrying four engineers who had been sent to repair a different Il-76 damaged by an RPG 14 days earlier.
- 02Witnesses reported the missile was fired from either a small boat or a nearby farmers' market.
- 03The crash site wreckage was spread across an area the size of four football fields.
- 04TransAVIAexport suspended all flights to Somalia immediately following the incident.
- 05The FAA subsequently prohibited US operators from flying over Somalia below 26,000 feet.
Safety Actions & Advisories
FAA Airspace Restriction
On April 5, 2007, the FAA prohibited US airlines from operating in Somali airspace below 26,000 feet due to the threat of MANPADS and RPGs.
Belarusian Flight Advisory
Belarusian authorities advised all national carriers to avoid Somali airspace and suspended TransAVIAexport operations to the region.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Official Denial of Attack
Reference ↗Somali government officials initially denied the aircraft was shot down, claiming the crash was due to technical failure, despite witness reports of a missile strike and claims of responsibility by Islamist groups.