Ethiopian Airlines Flight 409 was a scheduled passenger flight that tragically crashed into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Na'ameh, Lebanon, shortly after departing from Beirut International Airport. With 90 individuals, comprising 83 passengers and 7 crew members, on board, the Boeing 737-800 lost contact with air traffic control just minutes after takeoff, leading to massive search and rescue operations. Tragically, all on board perished in this unfortunate incident, marking it as one of the deadliest aviation disasters associated with Ethiopian Airlines.

The aircraft took off from Beirut at around 2:30 AM local time, bound for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Shortly after takeoff, witnesses reported seeing the plane suddenly descend and then disappear from radar. Various factors were considered during the subsequent investigations, including adverse weather conditions at the time, which were believed to have played a significant role in the crash. The incident prompted a widespread response from Lebanese authorities and Ethiopian Airlines, who worked in conjunction with international aviation safety boards to investigate the causes of the crash thoroughly.

In the aftermath, authorities began examining the technical data from the aircraft, including the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. These investigations sought to provide clarity on the conditions leading to the crash and were crucial in helping to form improved safety protocols in the airline industry. Ethiopian Airlines, a prominent aviation operator in Africa, faced scrutiny regarding its safety practices and operational protocols, which led to heightened awareness of airline safety regulations in the region and internationally.