Investigation into Azerbaijan Airlines Crash Reveals “External Interference”
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has announced that preliminary results of the investigation into the crash of its Embraer 190 plane on December 25 indicate “external physical and technical interference” as a contributing factor. The flight, which was traveling from Baku to Grozny, resulted in 38 fatalities.
Russian Aviation Authority Recognizes Ukrainian Drone Attack
The Russian aviation authority has confirmed that Ukrainian drones carried out an attack on two cities in Chechnya, including Grozny, on the same day as the crash. As a result, a “contingency plan” was put in place in the area, coinciding with the flight path of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane.
Flight Suspensions and Investigations
Due to potential risks to flight safety, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights from Baku to several airports in Russia, effective December 2024. The affected cities include Mineralnye Vody, Sochi, Volgograd, Ufa, Samara, Saratov, Nizhny Novgorod, and Vladikavkaz.
Representatives from the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer have arrived in Aktau to assist in the investigation. A delegation from the Center for Research and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) is also expected to arrive in Kazakhstan in the coming days.
Crash Details
Flight J2-8243, operated by AZAL, crashed near Aktau on December 25, resulting in 38 fatalities, including three crew members. There were 67 people on board, with most of the deceased being Azerbaijanis, as well as Russians and Kazakhs.