Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 aircraft tragically crashed near Kazakhstan’s Aktau city on Wednesday, claiming 38 lives. Russian authorities have urged patience as investigations unfold, following claims that the crash may have been caused by shrapnel damage or even air defense systems.
Key Developments
- Crash Details: The aircraft, en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Chechnya, was diverted to Aktau due to heavy fog. It crashed 3 km short of the runway, bursting into flames upon impact.
- Casualties: Of the 67 passengers onboard, 38 were killed, and 29 survived. Many survivors suffered injuries, with 11 in intensive care.
Investigation Underway
Kazakh authorities have retrieved the flight data recorder, and a full investigation is ongoing.
- Speculation: Early reports suggested a bird strike as the cause; however, aviation experts, such as Justin Crump, have pointed out damage consistent with an air defense missile.
- Russian Warning: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “It would be wrong to put forward any hypotheses before the investigation’s conclusions.”
Conflicting Theories
- Bird Strike:
- Reports from Russian state-controlled media suggested the crash could be attributed to a bird strike.
- Aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia refuted this, stating bird strikes typically lead to controlled emergency landings, not erratic flight paths.
- Air Defense Missile:
- Justin Crump cited shrapnel patterns as consistent with an air defense missile detonation, potentially linked to heightened security in Grozny, Chechnya.
- Pilot Error:
- Survivors recounted multiple failed landing attempts in Grozny before the diversion, and some reported an explosion during the final descent.
Broader Context
The crash comes amid reports of drone strikes in Russian regions bordering Chechnya, further complicating speculation.
- Geopolitical Concerns: Authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia emphasized transparency in the investigation.
- National Mourning: Azerbaijan declared a national day of mourning to honor the victims, with President Ilham Aliyev calling it “a great tragedy.”
Aircraft and Safety Record
The Embraer 190, a product of Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, has a robust safety record, making this crash particularly alarming.
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