On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 aircraft, operating as Flight J2-8243, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in significant loss of life.
The flight, which originated from Baku, Azerbaijan, was en route to Grozny, Russia, carrying 62 passengers and five crew members. Due to dense fog in Grozny, the aircraft was diverted to Aktau.
At approximately 9:35 local time, the crew issued a distress signal, reporting a failure in the control system. Subsequently, at 9:49, they requested an emergency landing in Aktau. Tragically, at 10:28, the aircraft impacted the ground about 3 kilometers from Aktau International Airport. Eyewitness footage captured the plane’s steep descent, culminating in a fiery explosion upon impact.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the crash site, extinguishing the ensuing blaze. Among the 67 individuals on board, 28 survived, including two children aged 11 and 16. These survivors were transported to nearby hospitals, with seven reported in critical condition. Rescue teams have been recovering the bodies of the deceased, and efforts continue to account for all passengers and crew.
Preliminary reports suggest that a bird strike may have precipitated the disaster. Survivors recounted that a bird entered the engine, leading to an oxygen tank explosion and subsequent steering failure. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24.com indicated that the aircraft performed a figure-eight maneuver near Aktau airport, with significant altitude fluctuations before the crash. Additionally, the plane experienced severe GPS jamming, resulting in faulty real-time tracking data.
In response to the tragedy, Kazakhstan’s government has established a commission to investigate the incident, pledging collaboration with Azerbaijani authorities. The investigation will explore various potential causes, including technical malfunctions and external factors such as GPS interference. Notably, Russia has previously faced accusations of jamming GPS signals in the region, prompting questions about possible involvement.
Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliyev, who was in Russia for a summit, has returned to Baku following the crash. Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-backed leader of Chechnya, expressed condolences and noted that some hospitalized survivors are in extremely serious condition, urging prayers for their swift recovery.
The Embraer 190 involved in the crash is a twin-engine jet capable of seating up to 114 passengers, known for its fuel efficiency and reliability. This incident marks a significant tragedy for Azerbaijan Airlines, which has experienced several accidents in its history, including the December 2005 crash of Flight 217 into the Caspian Sea, resulting in 23 fatalities.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging the public to refrain from speculation and to await official findings. In the meantime, the focus remains on providing medical care to survivors, supporting the families of victims, and uncovering the factors that led to this devastating event.
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