1973 Le Bourget Air Show: Tupolev Tu-144 Crash

Introduction

• Event: Tupolev Tu-144 crash at the 1973 Le Bourget Air Show
• Date: June 3, 1973
• Casualties: 14 people killed

Context

• Two supersonic airliners showcased: Concorde and Tupolev Tu-144
• Both under development for over four years but not yet in service
• Flight demonstrations aimed to attract orders and convince undecided buyers

The Crash

• Concorde's demonstration: Completed successfully with no incidents
• Tupolev Tu-144's demonstration:
  • Took off successfully
  • Crashed after a low-altitude pass
  • Crash site: Town of Goussainville
  • Casualties:
    • All six crew members onboard
    • Eight people on the ground

Eyewitness Account

• André Turcat, Concorde test pilot, witnessed the crash

Investigation and Theories

• Initial hypotheses: Various, but none conclusive
• Findings (one year later):
  • Joint conclusion by French commission and Soviet experts
  • No construction anomalies or operational failures
  • Causes remain undetermined

Tupolev Tu-144 Overview

• Recognizable by its canard plans (small forward wings)
• Potential competitor to Concorde
• Specifications:
  • Cruising speed: Exceeding Mach 2
  • Passenger capacity: 120
• Operational History:
  • Only 100 commercial flights (Aeroflot)
  • Total units produced: 16 (until early 1980s)