Pilot killed after Jetways Airlines Fokker 50 crashed on landing at airstrip in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The pilot of a Jetways Airlines Fokker 50 was killed when the cargo plane crashed on landing at Eelbarde Airstrip in Somalia on January 18, 2024.

Built in 1990, the turboprop aircraft, registration 5Y-JWG,, was a United Nations (UN)-contracted cargo plane carrying relief aid and humanitarian supplies. 

The UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) confirmed the incident via a press statement, saying that the Fokker 50 was transporting humanitarian cargo for the World Food Programme when it veered off the runway.

The UNSOM has also confirmed one fatality and two injuries from the incident.

“The United Nations in Somalia expresses its condolences to the family and colleagues of the victim, and wishes a speedy recovery for the injured,” the organization said.

The UN also stated that it is working with Jetways Airlines and federal and South West State authorities to investigate the incident. 

This is the fourth aviation incident to occur in Africa within a week, and of these, the third aircraft that either belonged to or else was contracted by the United Nations.

On January 10, 2024, a UN helicopter was captured by the terror group Al-Shabaab after it was forced to make an emergency landing in the central Galguduud area in Somalia.

On January 12, 2024, A Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) Mil Mi-17 helicopter on a UN peacekeeping mission crash-landed in the Central African Republic due to adverse weather conditions. 

On January 18, 2024, An Ethiopian Airlines De Havilland Canada Dash 8 (DHC-8-400) skidded off a runway during landing at Alula Aba Nega Airport (MQX), but no injuries or fatalities were recorded.