Aeroflot Flight 418 was a domestic flight operated by the Soviet airline Aeroflot, utilizing a Tupolev Tu-104 aircraft. On June 1, the plane took off from Malabo Airport in Equatorial Guinea, heading towards the capital of the then-Soviet Union. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered severe engine problems, leading the crew to initiate an emergency return. Unfortunately, they lost control of the aircraft, and it crashed into a forested area of Bioko Island, resulting in the tragic loss of 46 lives, including passengers and crew.

The incident is particularly notable due to the aircraft type involved and the conditions surrounding the flight. The Tupolev Tu-104 was one of the first jet airliners in the world and a significant part of Aeroflot's fleet during the 1960s and 1970s. The crash raised considerable concerns regarding the safety protocols and engineering standards of Soviet aircraft at the time. Investigators focused on the failure of the engine and the training provided to the crew to manage such crises.

This disaster was part of a more extensive pattern of air travel challenges in Africa during the 1970s, where aging aircraft often operated in challenging conditions. Government responses to such accidents led to increased scrutiny of aviation regulations and standards in the region. The loss of life resonated deeply within the communities of the victims and contributed to a growing awareness of aviation safety requirements in Equatorial Guinea.