Aviogenex Flight 130, a charter airline operating in the former Yugoslavia, was approaching Rijeka Airport when it encountered severe weather conditions. On May 23, 1971, the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 was approaching the airport situated on the Adriatic coast amidst thunderstorms and reduced visibility. Despite the crew's efforts to navigate the challenging conditions, the aircraft crashed prior to landing, tragically claiming the lives of all 78 aboard, including passengers and crew members. The immediate cause of the incident was attributed to the difficult weather, which posed operational challenges during the landing phase.

The crash was a significant event in the context of Yugoslav aviation, leading to investigations that assessed the adequacy of safety protocols, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance standards in the region. Furthermore, it highlighted the continued need for improvements in airport infrastructure, particularly for facilities handling unpredictable weather conditions. In the aftermath, the Yugoslav government and airlines took measures to enhance training programs and operational guidelines to mitigate such risks in the future.

The loss of so many lives brought public attention to the importance of aviation safety in Yugoslavia and sparked discussions about improving regulations and operational standards among regional airlines. Such incidents prompted deeper analysis and necessary reforms in aviation practices to ensure passenger safety across the industry.