On July 8, 1977, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CCCP-46847) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Sukhumi-Babushara, Georgia during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause could not be determined with certainty; however, the assumption that the pilot-in-command suffered spatial disorientation was not ruled out. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A training flight from Kirovograd to Sukhumi and back crashed into the Black Sea after a night takeoff from Sukhumi-Babushara Airport. One crew member was rescued; six other occupants were killed. The aircraft was destroyed and sank.
Incident Overview
A training flight operating between Kirovograd and Sukhumi experienced a fatal accident shortly after a night takeoff from Sukhumi-Babushara Airport. While climbing at an altitude of 120 meters and a speed of 250 km/h, the crew raised the flaps. Subsequently, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and struck the water surface at a speed of 370 km/h, crashing into the Black Sea approximately 690 meters offshore.
Occupants and Injuries
One crew member was rescued, while the other six occupants were killed. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact and sank.
Probable Cause
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, the assumption that the pilot-in-command suffered spatial disorientation was not ruled out.
What happened in the 8 Jul 1977 Antonov AN-24 accident near Sukhumi-Babushara, Georgia?
A training flight from Kirovograd to Sukhumi and back crashed into the Black Sea after a night takeoff from Sukhumi-Babushara Airport. One crew member was rescued; six other occupants were killed. The aircraft was destroyed and sank.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jul 1977 Antonov AN-24 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Jul 1977 involved an Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-46847, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Sukhumi-Babushara, Georgia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The exact cause could not be determined with certainty; however, the assumption that the pilot-in-command suffered spatial disorientation was not ruled out.
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