Aircraft crash on Mt Vezhen in Stara Planina Mountain Range

30 fatalities • Mt Vezhen, Bulgaria • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the slopes of Mt Vezhen during flight through heavy snow, resulting in the deaths of all 30 people on board.

What happened

During a flight through severe weather conditions, a twin engine aircraft struck the side of Mt Vezhen, which stands at an elevation of 2,198 meters within the Stara Planina Mountain Range. The accident occurred amidst heavy snowfall that reduced visibility to zero, making it impossible for the crew to identify the mountain terrain ahead. Search efforts located the wreckage approximately 20 meters below the summit a few hours after the impact. There were 30 fatalities and no survivors.

Findings

Investigations into the crash revealed that the flight had departed from Sofia Airport. The established procedure required the crew to complete a 15 km circuit around the capital to reach a minimum altitude of 1,500 meters before turning toward the northeast. However, the crew bypassed this altitude-gain procedure to conserve fuel and reduce flight time, leading the aircraft to fly toward the mountain range at an inadequate height. The lack of visibility due to intense snow was also identified as a contributing element to the accident.

Probable cause

The crew failed to follow the required departure circuit to gain sufficient altitude before heading northeast, resulting in an insufficient flight path over the mountains.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-11-22 Lisunov LI-2 accident near Mt Vezhen, Bulgaria?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the slopes of Mt Vezhen during flight through heavy snow, resulting in the deaths of all 30 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-11-22 Lisunov LI-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 30 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1952-11-22 involved a Lisunov LI-2, registration LZ-TUE, operated by Transportno Aviatsionno Bulgaro-Savetsko Obedinenie - TABSO, at Mt Vezhen, Bulgaria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to follow the required departure circuit to gain sufficient altitude before heading northeast, resulting in an insufficient flight path over the mountains.

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