Azerbaijan Airlines Points to ‘External Interference’ in Fatal Plane Crash

Azerbaijan Airlines has attributed the deadly crash of its Embraer jet in Kazakhstan on December 25 to “physical and technical external interference,” according to preliminary investigations. The crash claimed 38 lives and left 29 survivors when the plane went down just 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) short of the runway at Aktau airport, engulfed in flames.

The ill-fated flight initially attempted to land at Grozny airport in southern Russia but was diverted across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan due to adverse conditions. Witnesses near Grozny reported an explosion before the plane’s diversion.

Russia’s civil aviation agency chief, Dmitry Yadrov, stated on Friday that Grozny was under a “very complicated” situation. He cited ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Grozny and Vladikavkaz, prompting the implementation of a closed-skies protocol, known as the “Carpet plan.” The region also experienced dense fog, complicating aviation operations further.

Azerbaijan Airlines has refrained from explicitly accusing Russia of involvement, likely to avoid diplomatic tensions. However, aviation experts and Azerbaijani media suggest the crash may have been caused by shrapnel from a Russian air-defense missile explosion.

“Missile fragments could have damaged the plane’s hydraulic system, which is critical for control,” explained Tahir Agaguliev, a veteran Azerbaijani pilot, in a local media interview.

Survivors of the crash have supported claims of external interference. Flight attendant Zulfuqar Asadov described the moments of impact, recalling, “The plane was hit by some kind of external strike, causing panic among passengers. While we were trying to calm them, another strike occurred, injuring my arm.”