No fatalities

1991-01-10: Boeing 707 (YR-ABD) — Romavia — Bucharest-Otopeni-Henri Coandă, Romania

Bucharest-Otopeni-Henri Coandă, RomaniaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 10, 1991, a Boeing 707 (registration YR-ABD) operated by Romavia was involved in an aviation accident near Bucharest-Otopeni-Henri Coandă, Romania during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781212327Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 707
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During test circuits near Bucharest-Otopeni Airport, the Romanian Presidential Airplane rolled left on short final, causing both left engines to strike the runway. Fuel ignited, and the crew evacuated; all 13 occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Event Description

The Romanian Presidential Airplane was conducting a series of test flights prior to an official mission to China scheduled within two days. The crew, comprising pilots and engineers, completed several circuits in the vicinity of Bucharest-Otopeni Airport.

Sequence of Events

While preparing to land, the aircraft experienced a left roll on short final approach. This maneuver resulted in both left engines (numbered 1 and 2) impacting the runway surface. The impact ruptured a fuel line, leading to fuel ignition.

Emergency Response and Outcome

The crew promptly initiated an emergency braking procedure, vacated the runway via a taxiway, and brought the aircraft to a stop as it became engulfed in flames. All 13 occupants aboard escaped without injury. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.