Aircraft accident during approach to Kiev-Borispol Airport

49 fatalities • Kiev-Borispol, Ukraine • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed short of the runway at Kiev-Borispol Airport following multiple aborted landing attempts in heavy fog and electrical system failures.

What happened

During an approach to Kiev-Borispol Airport, the flight crew experienced a malfunction involving the onboard generator. This technical failure necessitated an immediate transition to the aircraft's auxiliary batteries to maintain power. At the time of the incident, the area was experiencing significant weather challenges, specifically dense fog that severely restricted visibility.

Following the electrical issue, the crew initiated a go-around procedure. A subsequent attempt to land was also unsuccessful and had to be abandoned due to the ongoing poor visibility. During a third approach attempt, the aircraft type crashed into a field situated a few kilometers from the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were no survivors among the 49 fatalities recorded during the accident.

Findings

  • The crew was forced to rely on auxiliary battery power after a generator failure.
  • Reduced visibility due to fog prevented successful landings during the initial two approach attempts.

Probable cause

The crash occurred following multiple aborted landing attempts caused by heavy fog and an electrical generator failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-09-16 Tupolev TU-134 accident near Kiev-Borispol, Ukraine?

An aircraft crashed short of the runway at Kiev-Borispol Airport following multiple aborted landing attempts in heavy fog and electrical system failures.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-09-16 Tupolev TU-134 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 49 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-09-16 involved a Tupolev TU-134, registration HA-LBD, operated by Malév Hungarian Airlines - Magyar Légiközlekedési Vallalat, at Kiev-Borispol, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash occurred following multiple aborted landing attempts caused by heavy fog and an electrical generator failure.

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