An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Christmas Day leaves 38 dead and 29 injured, with speculation of Russian involvement.
At a Glance
- Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 and injuring 29
- The plane was rerouted from Grozny to Aktau due to fog and experienced GPS jamming
- Speculation suggests the plane may have been shot down by a Russian surface-to-air missile
- Both pilots were killed, and the crash site showed significant damage to the aircraft
- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared a day of mourning on December 26
Flight Details and Crash Circumstances
On December 25, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 aircraft carrying 67 people crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in at least 38 fatalities and 29 injuries. The flight, originally destined for Grozny, Chechnya, was rerouted to Aktau due to fog conditions. The passenger manifest included 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyzstan nationals.
FlightRadar24 data indicated that the aircraft experienced “strong GPS jamming,” affecting its flight path. The crew reported a collision in the air, initially suspected to be birds, but later linked to an oxygen tank explosion. This raised speculation of a possible encounter with Russian air defenses.
An Embraer passenger plane operated by Azerbaijan Airlines flying from Azerbaijan to Russia crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, with 62 passengers and five crew on board, Kazakh authorities announced, saying that 28 people had survived.
Kazakhstan's… pic.twitter.com/5DvVbX7I7c
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 25, 2024
Speculation and Potential Causes
The crash has sparked intense speculation about its cause, with some experts suggesting the plane may have been shot down by Russia, possibly mistaken for a Ukrainian drone. The area was heavily militarized by Russian forces, and Grozny was reportedly under attack by Ukrainian drones at the time of the incident.
“The information provided to me is that the plane changed its course between Baku and Grozny due to worsening weather conditions and headed to Aktau airport, where it crashed upon landing.” – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
Russian military bloggers and aviation analysts have suggested that holes found in the fuselage may have been caused by shrapnel from an anti-aircraft missile. Footage of the crash shows the plane making a steep descent and crashing in a fireball, with part of the fuselage ripped away.
Investigation and International Response
Kazakh authorities have initiated an investigation into possible causes, including technical problems. Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights between Baku and Grozny, and Baku and Makhachkala, pending the investigation’s outcome. An Azerbaijani delegation was dispatched to Aktau for an on-site investigation.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev returned home from Russia following the crash and declared a day of mourning on December 26. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences, and the National Security Council spokesperson stated that the U.S. is “ready to assist all relevant authorities” as the investigation continues.
Implications for Flight Safety
This tragic incident highlights the imminent threats faced by commercial flights over conflict areas, emphasizing the necessity for stringent security measures and international diplomatic initiatives to ensure safety. The suspected involvement of a surface-to-air missile raises serious concerns about the vulnerability of civilian aircraft in regions with ongoing military activities.
