Preliminary investigations into the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan identified potential “physical and technical external interference” as primary factors contributing to the disaster. The incident occurred on December 25, when the Embraer jet, coming in for landing about three kilometers from Aktau airport, reportedly experienced a rapid descent and burst into flames, claiming the lives of 38 individuals onboard.
Azerbaijan Airlines Cites 'External Interference' in Plane Crash Investigation
Azerbaijan Airlines Cites 'External Interference' in Plane Crash Investigation
Azerbaijan Airlines attributes the tragic crash in Kazakhstan that resulted in 38 fatalities to alleged external factors, while diplomatic sensitivities remain high.
Witnesses reported that the aircraft had attempted to land at Grozny airport in southern Russia, but was diverted to Kazakhstan after an explosion was heard. The head of Russia's civil aviation stated that due to heightened tensions in Chechnya, a protocol restricting air access was established. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Rosaviatsia, noted that Ukrainian drones had been targeting civilian locations, which led to this emergency plan.
While Azerbaijan Airlines has not specified the type of external interference suspected, experts within Azerbaijan speculate that shrapnel from a Russian air defense missile could have damaged the aircraft. Veteran pilot Tahir Agaguliev emphasized the role of hydraulic systems in aircraft controls, suggesting that fragments might have compromised the jet's functionality.
Survivor accounts corroborated the notion of sudden external attacks, with flight attendant Zulfuqar Asadov describing panic among passengers following impacts hitting the aircraft. In light of the incident, Azerbaijan Airlines announced the suspension of flights to seven Russian cities, adding to previously halted flights to Grozny and neighboring regions.
Israeli airline El Al has also ceased flights to Moscow due to the prevailing security situation. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have pointed fingers at Russia, arguing responsibility for the crash, but the Kremlin has maintained a position of non-commitment regarding the incident as an investigation is ongoing.
Morning vigils in Azerbaijan have commemorated the pilots who lost their lives, noted for their efforts to land the damaged plane. As authorities in Kazakhstan manage the aftermath and collect details for the investigation, Azerbaijan has insisted on an international inquiry rather than one tied to the Commonwealth of Independent States, reflecting deep discomfort in the region's geopolitical dynamics.
While Azerbaijan Airlines has not specified the type of external interference suspected, experts within Azerbaijan speculate that shrapnel from a Russian air defense missile could have damaged the aircraft. Veteran pilot Tahir Agaguliev emphasized the role of hydraulic systems in aircraft controls, suggesting that fragments might have compromised the jet's functionality.
Survivor accounts corroborated the notion of sudden external attacks, with flight attendant Zulfuqar Asadov describing panic among passengers following impacts hitting the aircraft. In light of the incident, Azerbaijan Airlines announced the suspension of flights to seven Russian cities, adding to previously halted flights to Grozny and neighboring regions.
Israeli airline El Al has also ceased flights to Moscow due to the prevailing security situation. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have pointed fingers at Russia, arguing responsibility for the crash, but the Kremlin has maintained a position of non-commitment regarding the incident as an investigation is ongoing.
Morning vigils in Azerbaijan have commemorated the pilots who lost their lives, noted for their efforts to land the damaged plane. As authorities in Kazakhstan manage the aftermath and collect details for the investigation, Azerbaijan has insisted on an international inquiry rather than one tied to the Commonwealth of Independent States, reflecting deep discomfort in the region's geopolitical dynamics.
