The Tupolev Tu-124 was a short-range twin jet airliner that first flew on 29 March 1960. Powered by two Soloviev D-20P turbofan engines, it is a smaller derivative of the Tupolev Tu-104, designed to seat up to 44 passengers on domestic services.
Aeroflot put the aircraft into service from 2 October 1962 and two other airlines bought it new, East Germany’s Interflug and Czechoslovakia’s CSA. It could fly as far as 2,100 kilometres (1,300 miles) with maximum fuel and a 3,000 kilogram payload.
Tupolev Tu-124 Video
Following on from the last video about the de Havilland Dragon Rapide, this time we head over to the Soviet Union for a look at the Tupolev Tu-124. This runs for about eight minutes and is a little different to usual.
The History Guy gives a brief overview of the aircraft, leading in to the main story. That is about the time one of the aircraft ditched in the Neva River in Leningrad on 21 August 1963.
Just like the so called “Miracle on the Hudson” ditching of US Airways 1549, this pilot also saved all of his passengers. There is another fun twist to the story as well, but you’ll need to watch the video for that.
Happily the presenter has a very fast style of talking, keeping it interesting and not boring. It’s definitely a story worth remembering, and I’m pleased there are photos to go with it.
Overall Thoughts
Production of the Tupolev Tu-124 ceased in 1965 after 164 aircraft were produced. Other users included the Air Forces of India, China, East Germany, Czechoslovakia and Iraq. Aeroflot ceased passenger services with the plane on 21 January 1980, and after that only the Soviet and Iraqi Air Force used it for a few more years.
Did you know about the Tupolev Tu-124 ditching in the Neva River? Have you ever flown on board a Tu-124 and how was it? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
Enjoying the series? Check out the index to all the “Does Anyone Remember…” articles.
To never miss a post, follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
All my flight and lounge reviews are indexed here so check them out.
Featured image by Lars Söderström on Airliners.net via Wikimedia Commons.
Say what you want about Soviet technology, but they made some fine looking aircraft. Thanks for this blast from the past
Soviet technology has always been decent, just different. Glad you enjoyed the article!
I feel the need to mention that, as bad as Aeroflot was, it now flies no Tupolevs, and is a very safe airline.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travel-truths/are-russia-airlines-safe/
Very true, Aeroflot is considered a very good airlines these days. I would fly them without hesitation, of course. Thanks for the comment!
Always enjoyed the engine placement on those early Tupolevs, very sleek and (purposely?) aggressive looking like many Cold War-era Soviet designs. I wonder what the cabin noise was like and what it felt like inside having the engine so close to the cabin. I’m sure I’ll never find out myself!
You and me both! It is a shame they don’t keep the museum pieces in slightly more of a running condition. Hearing the engines would be an experience, even if the plane didn’t go anywhere. I was on board the Vickers VC10 in Brooklands once and the volunteers were showing a little girl all the cockpit alarms and so on. That was pretty cool all round. I think living exhibits give back a lot more than static ones.