Azerbaijan Airlines Cites ‘External Interference’ in Kazakhstan Plane Crash Investigation
Azerbaijan Airlines has stated preliminary findings regarding the December 25 crash of its Embraer jet in Kazakhstan, which pointed to “physical and technical external interference.”
The tragedy claimed 38 lives when the plane, flying at high speed, crashed 3km (1.9 miles) short of Aktau airport’s runway, erupting in flames. Initially attempting to land at Grozny airport in southern Russia, witnesses reported hearing an explosion before the jet diverted across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan.
Russia’s civil aviation agency head, Dmitry Yadrov, described the situation in Grozny at the time as “very complicated,” citing a closed-skies protocol due to Ukrainian drones allegedly targeting infrastructure in Grozny and Vladikavkaz. Yadrov added that dense fog further complicated operations at Grozny airport.
While Azerbaijan Airlines has not specified the nature of the interference, experts and local media suggest the aircraft may have been damaged by shrapnel from a Russian air-defense missile explosion. Veteran Azerbaijani pilot Tahir Agaguliev highlighted damage to the hydraulic system, which is crucial for controlling the aircraft.
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A flight attendant who survived the crash, Zulfuqar Asadov, recounted feeling the plane hit by an external strike, which caused chaos among passengers. He described a second strike that injured his arm and worsened the situation onboard.
In response, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to seven Russian cities, including Sochi, Volgograd, and Samara, citing security concerns. El Al, Israel’s flagship airline, has also suspended flights to Moscow due to developments in Russian airspace.
Ukraine has called for Russia to be held accountable, while the Kremlin has declined to comment, stating that the investigation is ongoing.
In Azerbaijan, vigils have honored the pilots who sacrificed their lives while managing to land part of the damaged plane, saving many onboard. Kazakh authorities are providing medical care to survivors and cooperating with Azerbaijan on the investigation.
Reports from Baku indicate that Azerbaijan rejected a proposal for a Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) committee to investigate the crash, favoring an international inquiry over-involvement from former Soviet nations.
Azerbaijan Airlines Cites ‘External Interference’ in Kazakhstan Plane Crash Investigation
