Investigation Summary
The attacks occurred during the final stages of the War in Abkhazia as separatist forces sought to capture Sukhumi. With overland routes blocked, Sukhumi Babushara Airport became the sole lifeline for Georgian forces and civilians. On September 21, a Transair Georgia Tu-134 was intercepted by a Strela 2 missile fired from an Abkhaz boat, crashing into the Black Sea. The following day, an Orbi Georgian Airways Tu-154 carrying internal security forces and civilians was hit by another missile on approach, crash-landing and burning on the runway. The final fatal attack occurred on September 23, when a Tu-134 was struck by BM-21 Grad rockets while passengers were boarding on the tarmac. These incidents remain the deadliest aviation events in Georgian history.
Final Conclusions
The destruction of the aircraft was the result of deliberate military action by Abkhazian separatist forces using man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) and surface-to-surface rocket artillery. The attacks successfully neutralized the Georgian government's aerial supply line to the besieged city of Sukhumi.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
9K32 Strela-2
A man-portable, shoulder-fired, low-altitude surface-to-air missile system (MANPADS) with a high-explosive warhead and passive infrared homing.
BM-21 Grad
A Soviet truck-mounted 122 mm multiple rocket launcher used to strike the airport grounds on September 23.
Interesting Facts
- 01The attacks were part of the Sukhumi massacre and the broader War in Abkhazia.
- 02The September 22 shootdown of registration 85163 is the deadliest aviation disaster in Georgia.
- 03Abkhaz forces used a combination of Strela 2 missiles, BM-21 Grad rockets, and mortar fire.
- 04The September 21 flight was primarily carrying journalists from Sochi.
- 05Total fatalities across the three days of targeted attacks reached 136.
Safety Actions & Advisories
UN Security Council Review
The incidents were cited in international forums regarding the protection of civilian aviation in conflict zones, though no specific technical safety mandates resulted due to the military nature of the cause.