On September 22, 1993, a Tupolev TU-154 (registration 4L-85163) operated by ORBI Georgian Airways - ORBI Air Company was involved in an aviation accident near Sukhumi-Babushara, Georgia during landing or approach. 108 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was struck and downed by a surface-to-air missile fired by Abkhazi separatists. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A military transport flight carrying Georgian personnel was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile during its final approach to Sukhumi-Babushara Airport.
What happened
During the final approach phase of its flight into Sukhumi-Babushara Airport, an aircraft transporting Georgian soldiers and police officers was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The impact caused the plane to crash in the vicinity of the runway threshold, where it subsequently erupted into flames.
The incident resulted in a massive loss of life, with 108 fatalities recorded among those on board. While the majority of the passengers and crew perished in the crash, 24 survivors were able to be rescued from the wreckage.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the destruction of the aircraft was the result of a surface-to-air missile strike launched by Abkhazi separatist forces during the descent.
Probable cause
The aircraft was struck and downed by a surface-to-air missile fired by Abkhazi separatists.