What happened
During a scheduled flight from Tbilisi to Batumi, the aircraft was intercepted by seven hijackers while maintaining cruising altitude. The group forced the crew to change course toward Turkey. During the takeover, the hijackers discharged firearms within both the passenger cabin and the cockpit area. In response to the violence, the copilot performed aggressive maneuvers that successfully prevented the hijackers from maintaining control of the flight deck.
Following the struggle, the crew managed to redirect the plane back to Tbilisi Airport, where security forces intervened by storming the aircraft. The incident resulted in seven fatalities, including three crew members and four passengers (three of whom were identified as part of the hijacking group).
Upon inspection, investigators discovered at least 63 bullet holes throughout the fuselage. Due to the severe structural deformation caused by excessive g-loads during the emergency descent and maneuvers, the aircraft was declared a total loss.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained significant damage from gunfire.
- High-stress maneuvers during the crisis led to permanent structural compromise.