SB. All 30 Passengers Survive, Plane Crashes Causing Blaze in Somalia

On July 18, 2023, a passenger aircraft operated by Halla Airlines made an emergency landing at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, resulting in a dramatic crash that sparked a large fire on the runway. According to Reuters and multiple other reputable news agencies, all 30 passengers and crew on board survived, with only minor injuries reported among the occupants (Reuters, 2023; BBC News, 2023). This incident underscores both the challenges and improvements in aviation safety across Africa and highlights the swift response by airport emergency services in Mogadishu.

Details of the Incident

According to Somali Civil Aviation Authority officials and local news coverage cited by Reuters and BBC News, the Halla Airlines Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia departed from Garowe in Puntland and was approaching Mogadishu for landing when it encountered difficulties.

• The aircraft was carrying 30 people in total.

• During landing, the plane veered off the runway and flipped onto its roof.

• Thick smoke and flames were visible from the fuselage immediately after the accident.

Video footage shared by journalists at the scene and verified by international outlets showed black smoke rising over the runway as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze (Reuters, 2023; BBC News, 2023).

Emergency Response and Passenger Evacuation

Emergency response teams at Aden Adde International Airport reacted quickly. Fire crews arrived at the scene within minutes of the crash. Airport officials confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.

• The Somali Ministry of Transport stated that no fatalities occurred.

• Medical teams assessed passengers, with several treated for minor injuries.

• Images published by Reuters and other agencies showed the aircraft resting upside-down but with the fuselage largely intact, indicating the fire was contained before destroying the airframe completely.

Operator and Aircraft Information

According to FlightGlobal and other aviation industry sources, the aircraft involved was an Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, a twin-turboprop regional airliner widely used around the world since its introduction in the 1980s. Although the type is older, many remain in service, particularly on short-haul routes in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.

• Halla Airlines is a Somali carrier operating domestic flights.

• Aviation Safety Network records note that Somalia’s aviation infrastructure has been rebuilding steadily in recent years despite longstanding challenges related to security and funding.

Aviation Safety in Somalia: Broader Context

Somalia’s civil aviation sector has faced significant difficulties over the past three decades due to political instability and security concerns. However, in recent years, the country has been working with international partners to improve safety standards.

• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has supported Somalia in re-establishing air traffic management over its airspace, which was fully restored in 2018 after years of being controlled from Nairobi.

• Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority continues to receive technical assistance to improve regulatory oversight and training for pilots, air traffic controllers, and airport staff.

These improvements contributed to faster and better-coordinated emergency responses at the country’s main airport in Mogadishu.

Eyewitness Accounts and Official Statements

Several passengers and airport staff described the moment the plane landed roughly and flipped over. However, official statements have avoided attributing the incident to any single cause pending investigation.

• The Somali Civil Aviation Authority announced that a formal investigation was launched to determine the cause.

• Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft rolled over after veering off the runway, but no conclusions about pilot error, mechanical failure, or environmental conditions have been made public.

Officials emphasized the professionalism of emergency crews and credited them with saving lives.

International Media Coverage

Reuters reported that footage from the crash showed:

“The aircraft overturned, having seemingly rolled over during the landing process. Thick black smoke and flames billowed into the sky as fire trucks arrived on the runway.”

Similarly, BBC News highlighted that:

“Images show the plane upside down on the runway with smoke rising from the wreckage.”

Multiple agencies praised the prompt response of Mogadishu airport’s fire services.

Aviation Experts on the Incident

While the formal investigation remains ongoing, aviation safety experts cited in coverage by BBC and Reuters note that survivable crashes on landing—where passengers escape despite fire or structural damage—are less rare than often assumed, thanks to:

• Improvements in aircraft design, which help preserve survivable space even after impact.

• Reinforced fuel tanks and fire suppression systems.

• International safety guidelines for cabin crew evacuation procedures.

Such factors likely contributed to the absence of fatalities in this incident.

Historical Context: Aviation Incidents in Somalia

Although Somalia’s aviation sector is rebuilding, it has a history of security-related incidents and infrastructure challenges:

• During the Somali Civil War, many airports fell into disrepair.

• Aden Adde International Airport has undergone significant upgrades with international assistance.

• Somalia regained management of its own airspace in 2018, after decades of international oversight.

Despite these efforts, infrastructure remains vulnerable, and experts emphasize the importance of continued investment in safety measures and training.

Next Steps: Investigation and Safety Review

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority, consistent with ICAO guidelines, will:

• Collect evidence from the crash site.

• Review flight data recorders if available.

• Interview crew, passengers, and air traffic control personnel.

These steps are critical to understanding what led to the accident and to preventing similar incidents in the future. The Ministry of Transport has pledged transparency in sharing findings once the investigation is complete.

Conclusion

The crash landing of the Halla Airlines Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia at Aden Adde International Airport on July 18, 2023, is a stark reminder of the challenges facing aviation safety in regions with developing infrastructure. However, the successful evacuation of all 30 people on board demonstrates the effectiveness of airport emergency procedures and the dedication of first responders.

Somalia’s civil aviation sector continues to strengthen with support from international partners. The investigation into this incident is expected to yield important lessons that will further enhance safety for travelers in the region.

Sources

• Reuters. (2023, July 18). All 30 passengers survive as plane crashes, causing blaze in Somalia. Link

• BBC News. (2023, July 18). Somalia plane crash: All passengers survive Mogadishu airport fire. Link

• FlightGlobal. Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia. Link

• Aviation Safety Network. Somalia Aviation Safety Profile. Link