Aeroflot Flight 6502 was a scheduled domestic flight from Moscow to Kuibyshev, now known as Samara. On the ill-fated day, the Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft encountered challenging weather conditions, which included reduced visibility and strong crosswinds as it approached Kuibyshev Airport. The crew faced significant difficulties in handling the situation due to reported technical issues with the aircraft's flight controls. Despite their efforts to land safely, the plane crashed during its final approach, resulting in the loss of all 70 people on board, including passengers and crew members.

Investigations into the crash revealed that a combination of factors contributed to the tragedy. It was found that the crew received insufficient training to handle the aircraft in adverse weather conditions, and the maintenance procedures for the Tu-154 were scrutinized. The accident raised concerns regarding the aviation safety standards in the Soviet Union, particularly for Aeroflot, which was the national airline. This incident prompted a review of safety protocols and led to changes in operational procedures for handling aircraft during adverse weather.

The crash of Flight 6502 is one of the many accidents that have marred the reputation of Aeroflot during this period, as the airline was operating under conditions that often prioritized schedules over safety. The tragedy served as a reminder of the crucial importance of pilot training and aircraft maintenance, leading to subsequent reforms in aviation practices in the Soviet Union and throughout Russia as the country evolved into a more modern aviation landscape.