What happened
On the runway 02 at Sukhumi-Babushara, a Tupolev Tu-134 was performing its takeoff roll after receiving clearance at 18:08 local time. Approximately 26 seconds into the maneuver, while traveling at 195 km/h, the flight crew observed a Let L-410M, registration CCCP-67191, entering the active runway. The Let L-410M was operating flight SU73G toward Kutaisi with two pilots and nine passengers.
In an attempt to avoid the encroaching aircraft, the captain of the Tupolev initiated an emergency stop, deploying spoilers and reverse thrust while steering toward a left-hand exit taxiway. Simultaneously, the crew of the Let L-410M observed the Tupolev approaching from their right and increased engine power in an attempt to clear the path. Seven seconds after the rejected takeoff began, at a speed of 216 km/h, the right wing of the Tupolev Tu-134 collided with the Let L-410M. The impact caused the total destruction of the Let aircraft. The Tupolev continued to roll for roughly 514 meters before veering off the runway and stopping 48 meters left of the centerline. There were 82 survivors on the Tupolev with no injuries, but all 11 fatalities occurred on the Let L-410M.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the collision was caused by the Let L-410M crew entering the runway without authorization after failing to adhere to instructions from air traffic control and ground controllers regarding taxiing. Additional contributing factors included inadequate flight organization at the airport and the use of non-standard phraseology by ATC personnel, which led to procedural confusion.