A Balkan Bulgarian Airlines Tupolev Tu-134, operating a domestic flight from Varna to Sofia, encountered severe weather conditions shortly before its scheduled arrival. On March 16, 1978, the aircraft lost control and crashed near the village of Gabare, resulting in the deaths of all 73 people aboard, including passengers and crew members. Eyewitness testimonies described a distressing sight as the aircraft descended rapidly before crashing into the ground. Emergency responders and rescue teams arrived at the scene promptly but were unable to save anyone from the wreckage. This tragedy marked one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Bulgaria's history.The investigation that followed looked into factors contributing to the crash, including potential pilot error and the influence of adverse weather conditions on the flight's approach. The transport ministry scrutinized the airline's operational practices, leading to significant discussions surrounding aviation regulations and safety protocols in Eastern Europe. Analysis of the crash also involved examining the condition of the Tupolev Tu-134 aircraft, which had been in service since the early 1970s, and whether it had undergone sufficient maintenance as per international aviation standards. Authorities vowed to improve aviation safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future, reflecting on this disastrous event that left a profound impact on the nation.