Aeroflot Flight 558, operated by a Tupolev Tu-154, tragically crashed in the Abzelilovsky District of Bashkortostan, leading to the loss of all 102 individuals aboard. The flight had been en route from the airport in Kurgan to the busy hub in Novosibirsk. On approach, the crew faced difficulties, with problems identified in both their navigation systems and the performance of the aircraft itself. Despite the pilots' attempts to manage the crisis, the aircraft ultimately failed to maintain altitude during descent and crashed into a densely forested area.

Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft enter a steep descent before it disappeared from view. Recovery operations were promptly launched but were complicated by the remote location of the crash site. Investigations that followed revealed critical insights about maintenance practices and the operational challenges of Soviet-era aircraft, as well as the need for enhanced pilot training. The tragedy prompted subsequent reforms aimed at improving air safety standards within Aeroflot and the broader Soviet aviation industry.

In the aftermath, memorial services were conducted to honor the victims, and the event reminded authorities of the crucial importance of rigorous compliance with aviation safety protocols. The Tupolev Tu-154, despite its robust service record, faced increased scrutiny following this incident, as did the training regimes for flight crews tasked with navigating increasingly complex operational environments amidst the challenges presented by aging aircraft models.