The Tupolev Tu-154 was a popular Soviet-era jetliner often used for international flights during the Cold War. On this occasion, the aircraft was operating a scheduled flight from Moscow to Benghazi, Libya, filled with passengers and crew eager to travel. As the flight descended into Benghazi airport, it faced adverse weather conditions, complicating the landing approach. Unfortunately, despite the crew's efforts to regain control and execute safe landing procedures, the aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter. Tragically, all 59 occupants on board lost their lives instantly upon impact.

Following the accident, Iranian officials and the Libyan government launched investigations to determine the crash's cause and whether appropriate safety measures were in place. The findings highlighted the need for enhanced training for pilots operating under challenging weather conditions and prompted discussions about air traffic control protocols specific to the region. The incident brought global attention to the importance of aviation safety and the systemic issues affecting airlines operating within conflict-prone areas.

This incident also ignited discussions about the reliability of Soviet aircraft in commercial aviation during that era, as well as the political atmosphere surrounding the companies that manufactured and operated these planes. Enhanced scrutiny of air travel, especially in politically sensitive regions, followed as a direct outcome of the crash, influencing future oversight in air transport.