On July 20, 1992, a Tupolev Tu-154, a Soviet-era passenger aircraft, was involved in a catastrophic accident during its takeoff from Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia. The aircraft was carrying 20 passengers and four crew members when it experienced an engine failure shortly after leaving the runway. The crew attempted to regain control, but the plane went down in a residential area, tragically claiming the lives of everyone on board, totaling 24 individuals, along with four civilians on the ground. Eyewitnesses described a fireball erupting as the aircraft descended, leading to chaos and devastation in the vicinity.

The Tupolev Tu-154 was designed primarily for short- and medium-haul flights and is recognized for its distinctive three-engine configuration. This incident occurred during a period of significant political upheaval in the region, influencing both aviation policies and air safety standards. Due to the circumstances surrounding the crash, including poor weather conditions and potential maintenance issues, the crash served as a critical point for aviation authorities needing to implement stricter safety regulations. It revealed the vulnerabilities of aging aircraft in post-Soviet states, where infrastructure and oversight were often lacking.

From a broader perspective, the crash was not just an aviation incident but also reflected the turbulent times in post-Soviet Georgia, where a mixture of civil unrest and inadequate regulatory structures contributed to the aviation crisis. The aftermath prompted discussions on the importance of air traffic control systems and pilot training, as well as the need for upgrading existing aircraft to ensure passenger safety.