Investigation Summary
The accident occurred at Sukhumi Babushara Airport involving two Aeroflot aircraft. Flight 974, a Tupolev Tu-134A, was departing for Moscow, while Flight G-73, a Let L-410M Turbolet, was bound for Kutaisi. The two aircraft collided on the airport's single runway. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the L-410 and the deaths of all 11 people on board, including two pilots and nine passengers. The Tu-134 sustained damage, but no fatalities were reported among its occupants.
Final Conclusions
The collision was primarily caused by the crew of the Let L-410M entering the active runway without authorization, failing to follow taxiing instructions. Contributing factors included poor flight organization at Sukhumi Airport and violations of standard procedures by air traffic and ground controllers, including the use of non-standard phraseology which likely confused the L-410 crew.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Aeroflot 974 — Tupolev Tu-134A · CCCP-65836
Aeroflot G-73 — Let L-410M Turbolet · CCCP-67191
Systems & Failure Modes
Runway Separation
The collision resulted from two aircraft occupying the same runway simultaneously during a high-speed takeoff roll.
Interesting Facts
- 01The collision occurred at Sukhumi Babushara Airport, also known as Sukhumi Dranda.
- 02All 11 fatalities occurred on the Let L-410M aircraft.
- 03The Tu-134A involved had the registration CCCP-65836.
- 04The L-410M involved had the registration CCCP-67191.
- 05Both aircraft were operated by the Soviet national carrier, Aeroflot.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Flight Organization Improvements
The investigation highlighted the need for improved flight organization at Sukhumi Airport to prevent unauthorized runway incursions.
Standardization of Phraseology
Authorities emphasized the strict adherence to standard radio phraseology by air traffic and ground controllers to eliminate confusion during taxiing and takeoff operations.