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Fatal Training Crash at Bucharest-Otopeni Airport (YR-TPJ)

Bucharest-Otopeni-Henri Coandă, RomaniaTakeoff (climb)

On February 9, 1989, a Tupolev TU-154 (registration YR-TPJ) operated by TAROM - Transporturile Aeriene Române was involved in an aviation accident near Bucharest-Otopeni-Henri Coandă, Romania during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control believed to have occurred while the instructor was simulating an engine failure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered YR-TPJ
Aircraft registered YR-TPJ. Photo: G B_NZ / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A local training flight at Bucharest-Otopeni Airport ended in a fatal crash shortly after takeoff, killing all five occupants. The loss of control is believed to have occurred during an engine failure simulation.

Incident Overview and Casualties A local training mission at Bucharest-Otopeni Airport resulted in a fatal accident shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was in its initial climb when it went out of control and crashed. All five occupants on board were killed in the incident. The crew consisted of one instructor and four pilots under supervision. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or exact location of the crash beyond the airport. ## Probable Cause and Circumstances The investigation source indicates that the loss of control is believed to have occurred while the instructor was simulating an engine failure. No other causes or contributing factors are stated in the provided source.

Engine failureLoss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 1989 Tupolev TU-154 accident near Bucharest-Otopeni-Henri Coandă, Romania?

A local training flight at Bucharest-Otopeni Airport ended in a fatal crash shortly after takeoff, killing all five occupants. The loss of control is believed to have occurred during an engine failure simulation.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Feb 1989 Tupolev TU-154 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 1989 involved a Tupolev TU-154, registration YR-TPJ, operated by TAROM - Transporturile Aeriene Române, at Bucharest-Otopeni-Henri Coandă, Romania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control believed to have occurred while the instructor was simulating an engine failure.

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