Aircraft accident near Urziceni involving 29 fatalities

29 fatalities • Urziceni, Romania • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed during its approach to Bucharest-Otopeni Airport, resulting in 29 deaths and 24 injuries.

What happened

During an approach to runway 26 at Bucharest-Otopeni Airport, the flight was cleared to descend to 2,000 feet while maintaining a 4,000-foot altitude. During this descent phase, the aircraft lost necessary altitude and impacted the terrain. The impact caused the landing gear to detach, and the plane slid several hundred meters across an open field situated approximately 6.3 km southwest of Urziceni, roughly 37 km northeast of its destination airport.

The crash resulted in the deaths of all eight crew members and 21 passengers. Additionally, 24 people sustained injuries during the event. The aircraft was completely destroyed due to the forces of the impact and a subsequent fire that broke out after the plane came to a halt.

Findings

Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor was that the crew failed to recognize an insufficient approach speed, which led to a loss of altitude and an aerodynamic stall during the final stages of the approach.

Probable cause

The pilot maintained an approach speed that was too low, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent descent into the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1977-09-21 Tupolev TU-134 accident near Urziceni, Romania?

An aircraft crashed during its approach to Bucharest-Otopeni Airport, resulting in 29 deaths and 24 injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1977-09-21 Tupolev TU-134 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 29 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1977-09-21 involved a Tupolev TU-134, registration HA-LBC, operated by Malév Hungarian Airlines - Magyar Légiközlekedési Vallalat, at Urziceni, Romania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot maintained an approach speed that was too low, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent descent into the ground.

Loading the flight search…