Aircraft accident involving Bulgarian folk band members

28 fatalities • Sofia-Vrazhdebna, Bulgaria • Takeoff (climb)

A fatal crash occurred during takeoff when an aircraft's wing struck the runway, resulting in 28 fatalities and 45 injuries.

What happened

During a night departure, an aircraft was climbing to an altitude of approximately 8 meters when it experienced a sudden left bank. This maneuver caused the left wing to make contact with the runway surface. Following this impact, the aircraft lost control and crashed into a grassy area situated to the left of the runway, where it caught fire.

The wreckage was distributed across a span of 400 meters. Emergency responders managed to evacuate 45 injured individuals from the site. Tragically, the accident resulted in 28 deaths, a group that included two crew members and several passengers traveling with the Bulgarian folk ensemble 'Aura'.

Findings

Investigations revealed that the aircraft had recently been returned to active service following period of ground maintenance. The investigation concluded that aileron control cables were improperly connected due to a failure by technicians to follow established maintenance protocols.

Probable cause

Maintenance personnel failed to adhere to proper procedures, leaving the aileron control cables disconnected.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-12-21 Ilyushin II-18 accident near Sofia-Vrazhdebna, Bulgaria?

A fatal crash occurred during takeoff when an aircraft's wing struck the runway, resulting in 28 fatalities and 45 injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-12-21 Ilyushin II-18 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 28 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-12-21 involved a Ilyushin II-18, registration LZ-BES, operated by Balkan Bulgarian Airlines, at Sofia-Vrazhdebna, Bulgaria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Maintenance personnel failed to adhere to proper procedures, leaving the aileron control cables disconnected.

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