Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 106's Runway Excursion at Mekele Airport

On January 18, 2024, Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 106, operating a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400, experienced a significant runway excursion upon landing at Mekele Alula Aba Nega Airport (MQX), Ethiopia. The aircraft, originating from Addis Ababa Bole Airport (ADD), suffered extensive damage, raising concerns about aviation safety in the region.

The incident occurred at 14:10 local time, shortly after the aircraft touched down at MQX. Remarkably, all passengers and crew members were able to evacuate safely, avoiding serious injuries. Ethiopian Airlines, in their statement, assured the public of their commitment to investigating the cause of this alarming event, emphasizing their apology to those affected by the inconvenience.

Images circulated on social media, previously known as Twitter, depicted the stark aftermath: the aircraft veered off the runway, its left landing gear collapsed, and the engines on the same side visibly damaged upon ground impact. The scene, attended by emergency services, highlighted the severity of the situation.

Local media outlet Capital Ethiopia suggested a punctured tire as a possible cause, but official confirmation from the airline is pending. This incident underscores the critical nature of aircraft maintenance and runway safety, particularly for Ethiopian Airlines, which has a significant number of scheduled flights in the region.

Flightradar24 data reveals that MQX predominantly connects to ADD, with Ethiopian Airlines operating ten daily flights using the same aircraft model. The airline, boasting a fleet of 30 De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400s among its 136 aircraft, emphasizes the importance of this model in its regional operations.

In an intriguing coincidence, another runway excursion occurred in Africa on the same day. An Airlink Embraer E135, with 32 passengers and three crew members, also veered off the runway at Pemba Airport (POL), Mozambique. Like the Ethiopian Airlines incident, all aboard the Airlink flight disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.

These consecutive incidents raise questions about the broader implications for airline safety standards and practices in Africa. As airlines and aviation authorities investigate these occurrences, the focus on enhancing safety measures becomes paramount for ensuring passenger safety and maintaining the integrity of the aviation industry.