Country
code

Lovech

Crash of a Lisunov LI-2P on Mt Vezhen: 30 killed

Date & Time: Nov 22, 1952 at 0830 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
LZ-TUE
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Sofia – Gorna Oryahovitsa – Varna
MSN:
184 323 03
YOM:
1947
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
26
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
30
Circumstances:
While cruising in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft hit the slope of Mt Vezhen (2,198 meters high) located in the Stara Planina Mountain Range. The wreckage was found few hours later, about 20 meters below the summit, and all 30 occupants have been killed. At the time of the accident, the visibility was nil due to heavy snow falls and the crew was unable to distinguish the mountain.
Probable cause:
After takeoff from Sofia Airport, the crew was supposed to follow a circuit of 15 km around the capital city to gain the minimum altitude of 1,500 meters before proceeding to the northeast. Apparently to save time and fuel, the crew decided to ignore this procedure and proceeded directly to the northeast after departure, causing the aircraft to approach the mountain range at an insufficient altitude. Low visibility caused by poor weather conditions was considered as a contributory factor.

Crash of a Junkers JU.52/3m on Mt Paskal: 6 killed

Date & Time: May 22, 1950
Type of aircraft:
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
On a flight over the Stara Planina mountain range when deviated from the prescribed flight path. Got caught by a strong downstream and crashed into Mt Paskal. Six of the seven crew were killed and the sole survivor was seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Caught by strong downdraft.

Crash of a De Havilland DH.60G Gipsy Moth in Teteven

Date & Time: Jul 10, 1930
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
CV-TUR
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Bicester - Istanbul
MSN:
1269
YOM:
1930
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot/owner Prince Jean Ghica was attempting a non stop flight from Bicester, Oxfordshire, to Istanbul. While flying over the Region of Teteven, he was forced to attempt an emergency landing for unknown reason. While the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, the pilot was slightly injured.