6 fatalities

Aircraft Crash on Mount Paskal in the Stara Planina Range

Mt Paskal, BulgariaFlight

On May 22, 1950, a Junkers JU.52 operated by Bulgarian Air Force - Bulgarski Voennov Azdushni Sili was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Paskal, Bulgaria in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Caught by strong downdraft. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft deviated from its prescribed flight path over the Stara Planina mountain range, encountered a strong downdraft, and crashed into Mount Paskal. Six of the seven crew members were killed, and the sole survivor was seriously injured.

Incident Overview An aircraft operating over the Stara Planina mountain range deviated from its prescribed flight path. During the deviation, the aircraft encountered a strong downdraft and subsequently crashed into Mount Paskal. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or exact location beyond the mountain range and peak. ## Casualties The accident resulted in the deaths of six of the seven crew members aboard. The sole survivor sustained serious injuries. ## Probable Cause The official investigation identified the probable cause as the aircraft being caught by a strong downdraft.