Runway overrun and residential crash at Tbilisi-Novo Alekseyevka Airport

28 fatalities • Tbilisi-Shota-Rustaveli (ex Novo Alekseyevka), Georgia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft accident during takeoff at Tbilisi-Novo Alekseyevka Airport resulted in a runway excursion, a residential crash, and 28 fatalities.

What happened

During the takeoff roll on runway 31R at Tbilisi-Novo Alekseyevka Airport, the pilot-in-command initiated rotation after passing V1 speed. While the nose gear successfully lifted, the aircraft's pitch angle reached approximately 6-7 degrees, but the main landing gear failed to depart from the runway surface. Consequently, the aircraft continued its high-speed roll toward the end of the runway.

Following the runway exit, the aircraft overran the pavement for 490 metres, where it collided with a localizer antenna. The excursion continued for an additional 190 metres before the aircraft entered a residential area and crashed. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames. The accident resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and nine nearby houses. The incident caused 28 fatalities, including all 24 occupants of the aircraft and four individuals on the ground, while 10 others sustained serious injuries.

Findings

  • The main landing gear failed to lift off during the rotation phase of takeoff.

Probable cause

The failure of the main landing gear to depart the runway surface during rotation led to a high-speed overrun and subsequent crash into a residential area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-07-20 Tupolev TU-154 accident near Tbilisi-Shota-Rustaveli (ex Novo Alekseyevka), Georgia?

An aircraft accident during takeoff at Tbilisi-Novo Alekseyevka Airport resulted in a runway excursion, a residential crash, and 28 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1992-07-20 Tupolev TU-154 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 28 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-07-20 involved a Tupolev TU-154, registration 85222, operated by Transair Georgia Airlines, at Tbilisi-Shota-Rustaveli (ex Novo Alekseyevka), Georgia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the main landing gear to depart the runway surface during rotation led to a high-speed overrun and subsequent crash into a residential area.

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