49 fatalities

Crash on Third Approach to Kiev-Borispol Airport Kills All 49 Occupants (HA-LBD)

Kiev-Borispol, UkraineLanding (descent or approach)

On September 16, 1971, a Tupolev TU-134 (registration HA-LBD) operated by Malév Hungarian Airlines - Magyar Légiközlekedési Vallalat was involved in an aviation accident near Kiev-Borispol, Ukraine during landing or approach. 49 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During approach to Kiev-Borispol Airport, the crew experienced a generator failure and switched to auxiliary batteries. Fog caused a go-around, then a second abandoned approach. On the third attempt, the aircraft crashed in a field short of the runway, destroying it and killing all 49 occupants.

Accident Narrative

During the approach to Kiev-Borispol Airport, the aircraft encountered poor weather conditions, specifically fog that resulted in limited visibility. The crew experienced a failure of the generator and were required to switch to auxiliary batteries. Due to the low visibility from the fog, the crew executed a go-around on the first approach. A second attempt to land was also abandoned. On the third approach, the airplane crashed in a field located a few kilometers short of the runway. The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact. All 49 occupants, including passengers and crew, were killed.