Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243
{{Short description|2024 aviation occurrence in Aktau, Kazakhstan}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox aircraft occurrence
| name = Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243
| image = Azerbaijan Airlines - Embraer 190AR (ERJ-190-100IGW) 4K-AZ65 (cropped).jpg
| alt =
| caption = 4K-AZ65, the aircraft involved in the accident, photographed in June 2016
| occurrence_type = Occurrence
| date = {{start date|df=y|2024|12|25}}
| summary = Crashed on approach during emergency landing after "external objects" penetrated the airframe, causing hydraulic failure
| site = Near Aktau International Airport, Aktau, Kazakhstan
| coordinates = {{Wikidatacoord|Q131552728|type:event_region:KZ-MAN|display=inline,title}}
| aircraft_type = Embraer 190AR
| aircraft_name = Gusar
| operator = Azerbaijan Airlines
| IATA = J28243
| ICAO = AHY8243
| callsign = AZAL 8243
| tail_number = 4K-AZ65
| origin = Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku, Azerbaijan
| destination = Kadyrov Grozny International Airport, Chechnya, Russia
| occupants = 67
| passengers = 62
| crew = 5
| fatalities = 38
| injuries = 29
| survivors = 29
| missing =
}}
{{Campaignbox Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 was a scheduled international passenger flight from Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, Azerbaijan, to Kadyrov Grozny International Airport near Grozny, Russia. On 25 December 2024, the Embraer 190 operating the Azerbaijan Airlines flight was severely damaged by "external objects" penetrating the structure, widely believed to be a Russian surface-to-air missile, during the aircraft's approach to Grozny. The aircraft attempted to divert but its hydraulic system failed, leading to a loss of control and ultimately a crash near Aktau International Airport in Aktau, Kazakhstan, with 62 passengers and 5 crew on board. Of those 67 people, 38 died in the accident, including both of the pilots and a flight attendant, while 29 people survived with injuries.
Approximately 40 minutes after takeoff, as the aircraft entered Russian airspace and neared Grozny, the crew reported losing GPS navigational aids, due to jamming. Foggy conditions were also reported by the airport. As the plane approached its destination, 81 minutes into the flight, passengers reported an explosion and shrapnel striking the aircraft. In radio transmissions, the pilots attributed the event to a bird strike and requested a diversion. They initiated emergency protocols, including squawking 7700 on the transponder, and redirected the flight over the Caspian Sea toward Kazakhstan.
However, after the crash, the aircraft was found to be riddled with holes in its fuselage, some containing fragments of foreign metal objects, damage inconsistent with a bird strike but resembling the impact of a surface-to-air missile.{{Cite news |last=Trevelyan |first=Mark |date=4 February 2025 |title=Crashed Azerbaijani plane was riddled with holes after incident over Russia, report says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kazakh-report-says-plane-dec-25-crash-probably-damaged-by-external-objects-2025-02-04/ |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=Reuters}} On 26 December, Euronews reported that Azerbaijani officials had determined the plane had been hit mid-flight by a Russian missile during efforts to repel a Ukrainian drone attack on Grozny Airport. Shrapnel from the blast injured several passengers and cabin crew.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Exclusive: Preliminary investigation confirms Russian missile caused Azerbaijan Airlines crash |url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/26/exclusive-preliminary-investigation-confirms-russian-missile-over-grozny-caused-aktau-cras |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226124848/https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/26/exclusive-preliminary-investigation-confirms-russian-missile-over-grozny-caused-aktau-cras |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Euronews}} On 27 December, The New York Times reported that Azerbaijani investigators believed a Russian Pantsir-S1 air-defence system had damaged the plane before it crashed. On 4 February, Reuters reported that investigators had recovered a fragment of a Russian Pantsir-S missile from inside the fuselage.
On 28 December, Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, for the "tragic incident" involving the aircraft in Russian airspace. He stated that Ukrainian drones had been targeting Grozny at the time and that Russian air defences had repelled these attacks, but he did not confirm that the flight had been shot down or acknowledge Russian responsibility.{{Cite news |date=28 December 2024 |title=Putin apologizes for Azerbaijan Airlines crash without saying Russia at fault |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/putin-apologizes-for-azerbaijan-airlines-crash-without-saying-russia-at-fault/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228162410/https://www.politico.eu/article/putin-apologizes-for-azerbaijan-airlines-crash-without-saying-russia-at-fault/ |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Politico |language=en-GB}} On 29 December, President Aliyev said that Russia had accidentally shot down the plane, accused Russia of attempting to obfuscate and "hush up" the crash, and demanded a full admission of guilt, punishment for those responsible, and compensation for the victims and their families.
Accident
{{Maplink|frame=yes|type=data|text= ADS-B tracking data of the flight in red with its origin (Heydar Aliyev International Airport) marked by the blue airport icon, its intended destination (Kadyrov Grozny International Airport) by the grey airport icon, and the crash site (near Aktau International Airport) by the red fire icon. There is a large gap in the data which begins before the final approach to Grozny; the aircraft's signal was not reacquired until it neared the Caspian Sea coast of Kazakhstan. (map data)|frame-height=275|frame-long=48.8|frame-lat=42.3|zoom=6|from=Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243.map}}
The aircraft took off from Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku, at 07:55 AZT (Azerbaijan Time){{efn|All times referenced to Azerbaijan Time (AZT, UTC+04:00)}} on a flight to Kadyrov Grozny International Airport.{{Cite news |last=Astier |first=Henri |date=26 December 2024 |title=Russia warns against 'hypotheses' after Azerbaijan Airlines crash |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgp3qx0q7wo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226120408/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgp3qx0q7wo |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=BBC News}}
Approximately 40 minutes after takeoff, as the aircraft entered Russian airspace near Grozny, the crew reported to air traffic control that it had lost GPS navigational aids. At the same time, the aircraft's Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) signal, a system used for real-time aircraft tracking, also disappeared.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=38 Killed After Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crashes in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/12/25/38-killed-after-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crashes-in-kazakhstan-a87449 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=The Moscow Times}} These occurrences strongly indicate that the aircraft was subjected to "GPS jamming." Such interference is prohibited under international regulations established by the International Telecommunication Union and the International Civil Aviation Organization,{{cite journal |last1=Baumann |first1=Ingo |last2=Pellander |first2=Erik |title=GNSS Jamming and Spoofing under National and International Law |journal=International Institute of Space Law |date=December 2020 |volume=63 |issue=4 |pages=333–348 |doi=10.5553/IISL/2020063004004 |url=https://www.boomportaal.nl/tijdschrift/IISL/IISL_2020_063_004_004?q=GNSS%20Jamming%20and%20Spoofing%20under%20National%20and%20International%20Law |access-date=28 December 2024|url-access=subscription }} both of which count Russia as a member. Despite these regulations, GPS jamming has been employed by the Russian military to counter Ukrainian drone operations. GPS jamming has become a recurring issue for flights and is frequently encountered when entering Russian airspace.{{Cite news |date=1 October 2023 |title='GPS jamming quite routine on long-haul flights, spoofing isn't instantly apparent' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gps-jamming-quite-routine-on-long-haul-flights-spoofing-isnt-instantly-apparent/articleshow/104077316.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226000645/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gps-jamming-quite-routine-on-long-haul-flights-spoofing-isnt-instantly-apparent/articleshow/104077316.cms |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}
According to ATC transcripts, without GPS, the crew requested a non-directional beacon approach to runway 26. They were cleared to approach at 08:50 AZT (07:50 MSK, local time in Grozny), but due to the fog, the crew aborted the landing and initiated a go-around. They were cleared for a second landing attempt at 09:10 AZT (08:10 MSK), but again due to the fog, the crew aborted the landing and the crew informed controllers that they would be returning to Baku.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Unlawful Interference Embraer ERJ-190AR 4K-AZ65, Wednesday 25 December 2024 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/468275 |access-date=1 January 2025 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}{{Bsn|reason=The ASN entry is in part user-generated. See the talk page for more information.|date=January 2025}}
As the plane departed Grozny, passengers reported an explosion and shrapnel striking the aircraft. At 09:16 AZT the crew reported a "control failure" due to a "bird strike in the cockpit."{{Cite news |last=Duman |first=Galiaskar |date=25 December 2024 |title=Ақтаудағы ұшақ апаты: экипаж бен диспетчердің сөйлескендері жарияланды |trans-title=Aktau plane crash: conversations between crew and dispatcher published |url=https://qaz.ulysmedia.kz/news/24189-aktaudagy-ushak-apaty-ekipazh-ben-dispetcherdin-soileskenderi-zhariialandy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227142900/https://qaz.ulysmedia.kz/news/24189-aktaudagy-ushak-apaty-ekipazh-ben-dispetcherdin-soileskenderi-zhariialandy/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Ulysmedia.kz |language=kk}} They asked to divert to Mineralnye Vody Airport, but upon hearing the weather, asked instead to divert to Uytash Airport in Makhachkala. Shortly after, at 09:22 AZT, the crew reported a hydraulics failure. Air traffic controllers told the crew not to attempt a landing in Makhachkala due to poor weather.{{Cite news |last=Medvedeva |first=Lena |last2=Peart |first2=Hannah |date=25 December 2024 |title=Dozens killed as passenger plane crashes in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/azerbaijan-airlines-passenger-plane-crashes-aktau-kazakhstan-rcna183561 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225195258/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/azerbaijan-airlines-passenger-plane-crashes-aktau-kazakhstan-rcna183561 |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=NBC News}} The crew issued a distress signal by squawking 7700 at 09:25, reporting a failure of the control system.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Выжившие в авиакатастрофе в Актау сидели в хвостовой части самолета |trans-title=Survivors of the Aktau plane crash were sitting in the tail section of the plane |url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/1000530 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Interfax |language=ru}} At 09:27 AZT, the flight was instructed to contact the Rostov area control center.{{Bsn|reason=The ASN entry is in part
user-generated. See the talk page for more information.|date=January 2025}}
At 09:49 the pilots requested an emergency landing at Aktau International Airport and attempted to manage the approach in direct mode,{{Cite news |last=Kassam |first=Ashifa |date=25 December 2024 |title=Officials report 29 survivors and 38 killed as plane crashes in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/25/kazakhstan-plane-crash-aktau-azerbaijan-airlines-baku-grozny-fog-chechnya |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}} with the estimated landing time set for 10:25 (11:25 Kazakhstan time AQTT, UTC+05:00).{{Cite report |url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/emer/press/news/details/909151?lang=kk |title=Ақтау қаласындағы ұшақ апаты: жаңартылған ақпарат (сағат 14.10-дегі жағдай бойынша) |trans-title=Plane crash in Aktau: updated information (as of 14.10 hour) |date=25 December 2024 |publisher=Kazakhstan Ministry of Emergency Situations |language=kk |access-date=27 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226202023/https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/emer/press/news/details/909151?lang=kk |archive-date=26 December 2024 |via=gov.kz |url-status=live}} At 10:00 (11:00 AQTT), the Emergency Situations Department of the Mangystau Region sent emergency response teams and resources to Aktau airport.
The plane entered Kazakh airspace at 10:02,{{Cite news |last=Aisultan |first=Arman |date=26 December 2024 |title=Chronology of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/chronology-of-the-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-near-aktau-b42249/ |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Kazinform}} reappearing on ADS-B at 10:07 while flying over the Caspian Sea towards Aktau. Altitude and speed data from ADS-B transmissions indicated the aircraft experienced extremely varying altitude and speed values.{{Cite news |last=Petchenik |first=Ian |date=25 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan Airlines E190 crashes near Aktau |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/azerbaijan-airlines-e190-crashes-near-aktau/ |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Flightradar24}}
Unable to land at the first attempt, the aircraft initiated a go-around manoeuvre to re-position for another runway approach.{{Cite news |last=Zeynalova |first=Gyunel |date=26 December 2024 |title=Kazakh Transport Ministry: AZAL plane made two turns in airspace before crash |url=https://report.az/en/incident/kazakh-transport-ministry-azal-plane-made-two-turns-in-airspace-before-crash/ |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Report News Agency}} As it was making a third turn, at 10:28, communication between the pilots and air traffic control was lost.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Қайғылы оқиғаға дейін: Ақтау әуежайы қалай ұшақты қондыруға тырысқаны белгілі болды |trans-title=Before the tragedy: How Aktau Airport tried to make the plane landing |url=https://kaz.tengrinews.kz/my-country/kaygyilyi-okigaga-deyn-aktau-auejayyi-kalay-ushaktyi-364410/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227042550/https://kaz.tengrinews.kz/my-country/kaygyilyi-okigaga-deyn-aktau-auejayyi-kalay-ushaktyi-364410/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Tengrinews.kz |language=kk}} At 10:30, the airliner struck the ground {{Convert|3|km|mi nmi|spell=in}} from the airport, with its right wing hitting first.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Edward |date=25 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan Airlines E190 Crashes in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/azerbaijan-airlines-e190-crashes-in-kazakhstan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225154049/https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/azerbaijan-airlines-e190-crashes-in-kazakhstan |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Airways News}} It then tumbled, exploded, and broke into two major pieces. The explosion, combined with the fire that broke out after the plane crashed, destroyed the front section of the plane. The tail section of the plane came to rest upside down away from the main wreckage, and remained largely intact.{{Cite news |last=Nechepurenko |first=Ivan |author-link=Ivan Nechepurenko |date=25 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan Airlines Jet Crashes in Kazakhstan, Killing Dozens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/25/world/europe/kazakhstan-plane-crash.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225084724/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/25/world/europe/kazakhstan-plane-crash.html |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=The New York Times |quote=One photograph appeared to show the tail of the plane largely intact, though it had been separated from the fuselage.}} The crash was captured on video, which showed that the landing gear was deployed when the plane hit the ground.{{Cite news |last=Santos |first=Sofia Ferreira |last2=Khalilova |first2=Konul |date=26 December 2024 |title=Dozens survive Kazakhstan passenger plane crash |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjwl1e6895qo |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=BBC News}} In response, additional resources and personnel from the Emergency Situations Department, initially stationed at the Aktau airport, arrived at the scene at 10:35 and were deployed at an elevated emergency rank, extinguishing the fire by 11:05 AZT (12:05 AQTT).{{Cite report |url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/emer/press/news/details/909841?lang=kk |title=Ақтаудағы ұшақ апатының салдарын жою туралы жедел ақпарат |trans-title=Operational information on the elimination of the consequences of the air crash in Aktau |date=26 December 2024 |publisher=Kazakhstan Ministry of Emergency Situations |language=kk |access-date=27 December 2024 |via=gov.kz}} A surviving crew member said that the pilots initially ordered them to prepare for a water landing before changing to a ground landing.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Surviving cabin crew member of crashed AZAL plane: While flying over Grozny, the sound of an impact was heard |url=https://en.apa.az/incident/surviving-cabin-crew-member-of-crashed-azal-plane-while-flying-over-grozny-the-sound-of-an-impact-was-heard-456792 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}}
Of the 67 people on board, 29 survived, and 38 died.{{Cite news |last=Gordeyeva |first=Mariya |last2=Stolyarov |first2=Gleb |last3=Bagirova |first3=Nailia |date=25 December 2024 |title=Russian air-defense system downed Azerbaijan plane, sources say |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/passenger-plane-crashes-kazakhstan-emergencies-ministry-says-2024-12-25/ |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Reuters}}{{Cite web |last=Hradecky |first=Simon |date=25 December 2024 |title=Accident: Azerbaijan E190 near Aktau on Dec 25th 2024, touched down off runway |url=https://avherald.com/h?article=521fd4fb&opt=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225104145/https://avherald.com/h?article=521fd4fb&opt=0 |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |website=The Aviation Herald}} Of the five crew members aboard, two flight attendants survived, and both pilots and one flight attendant were killed.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Three crew members survive AZAL plane crash in Aktau |url=https://caliber.az/en/post/three-crew-members-survive-azal-plane-crash-in-aktau |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=caliber.az}}{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=7 nəfərin şəxsiyyəti müəyyənləşdi - Aralarında Hökümə də var |trans-title=The identities of 7 people have been determined - including Hokume |url=https://qafqazinfo.az/news/detail/7-neferin-sexsiyyeti-mueyyenlesdi-aralarinda-hokume-de-var-457259 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Qafqazinfo |language=az}} Authorities said all of the fatalities occurred at the scene.{{Cite news |last=Vahid |first=Firuza |last2=Hamidov |first2=Suleyman |date=26 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan's Consul General: None died either on the way or in the hospital following the plane crash |url=https://en.apa.az/social/azerbaijans-consul-general-none-died-either-on-the-way-or-in-the-hospital-following-the-plane-crash-456631 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} The 29 survivors, including two children, were hospitalised following the accident{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Diaspora organization chairman: Some injured in plane crash are in critical condition, others in moderate-to-severe condition |url=https://en.apa.az/diaspora/diaspora-organization-chairman-some-injured-in-plane-crash-are-in-critical-condition-others-in-moderate-to-severe-condition-456514 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225170538/https://en.apa.az/diaspora/diaspora-organization-chairman-some-injured-in-plane-crash-are-in-critical-condition-others-in-moderate-to-severe-condition-456514 |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} for injuries that included closed craniocerebral injuries, brain concussion, closed chest injuries, and traumatic shocks.{{Cite news |last=Temirgaliyeva |first=Arailym |date=26 December 2024 |title=Kazakh healthcare ministry reveals condition of AZAL plane crash survivors |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/kazakh-healthcare-ministry-reveals-condition-of-azal-plane-crash-survivors-314f20/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226100823/https://en.inform.kz/news/kazakh-healthcare-ministry-reveals-condition-of-azal-plane-crash-survivors-314f20/ |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Kazinform}} Eleven of them were in critical condition.{{Cite news |last=Azeri |first=Farid |date=25 December 2024 |title=11 injured in AZAL plane crash in Aktau are in critical condition |url=https://en.apa.az/incident/11-injured-in-azal-plane-crash-in-aktau-are-in-critical-condition-456542 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}}{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=List of injured in AZAL plane crash announced |url=https://report.az/en/incident/list-of-injured-in-azal-plane-crash-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226045414/https://report.az/en/incident/list-of-injured-in-azal-plane-crash-announced/ |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} Most of the survivors were believed to have been seated in the rear section of the aircraft.{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Tom |date=28 December 2024 |title=What we know about the Azerbaijan Airlines crash |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4x3jwlewgo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227212455/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4x3jwlewgo |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Illyusia |first=Mary |date=28 December 2024 |title=Putin apologizes for airline crash, does not take responsibility |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/28/putin-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-russia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228141100/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/28/putin-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-russia/ |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=The Washington Post}}
= Timeline =
| class="wikitable"
|+ !style="width:130px;"|Azerbaijan Time (UTC+4) !Event |
| 07:55 |
| 08:25 |
| 08:36
|Due to GPS signal loss, pilots request a non-directional beacon approach from Grozny air control{{Bsn|reason=The ASN entry is in part user-generated. See the talk page for more information.|date=January 2025}} |
| 08:50
|Flight cleared to make first landing attempt at Grozny{{Bsn|reason=The ASN entry is in part user-generated. See the talk page for more information.|date=January 2025}} |
| 09:10
|Flight cleared to make second landing attempt at Grozny{{Bsn|reason=The ASN entry is in part user-generated. See the talk page for more information.|date=January 2025}} |
| 09:16
|Pilots report a "loss of control due to bird strike", request weather report at MinVody airport |
| 09:21
|Russian Air Traffic Control reportedly receives the closed-skies notification{{citation needed|date=December 2024}} |
| 09:22 |
| 09:25
|Pilots commence squawking 7700 |
| 09:27
|Grozny air control instructs pilots to contact Rostov area control center{{Bsn|reason=The ASN entry is in part user-generated. See the talk page for more information.|date=January 2025}} |
| 09:49
|Pilots request emergency landing{{failed verification|reason=there is no mention of this in that source?|date=December 2024}} |
| 10:00 |
| 10:02 |
| 10:07 |
| 10:28 |
| 10:29
|Flight continues to circle around the airport, attempting to land |
| 10:30 |
| 10:35 |
| 11:05
|Emergency responders extinguish the fire and recover the victims |
Background
= Aircraft =
The aircraft involved, which was manufactured in 2013, was an Embraer 190AR (Advanced Range) the longest range variant of the aircraft, registered as 4K-AZ65, and named Gusar after the Azerbaijan regional capital city.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Latest full technical control of aircraft, crashed near Aktau, conducted in October of this year |url=https://en.apa.az/social/latest-full-technical-control-of-aircraft-crashed-near-aktau-conducted-in-october-of-this-year-456555 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}}{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Технические данные самолета Embraer E-190, разбившегося в Казахстане |trans-title=Technical data of the Embraer E-190 that crashed in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/7403099 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225110030/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/7403099 |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Kommersant |language=ru}} It was powered by two General Electric CF34-10E6 engines,{{Cite news |last=Kaminski-Morrow |first=David |date=25 December 2024 |title=Over 30 survive Azerbaijan Embraer 190 crash in Kazakhstan: ministry |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/over-30-survive-azerbaijan-embraer-190-crash-in-kazakhstan-ministry/161221.article |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225120156/https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/over-30-survive-azerbaijan-embraer-190-crash-in-kazakhstan-ministry/161221.article |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=FlightGlobal}} and underwent its last maintenance on 18 October 2024. It made its first flight on 22 July 2013 and was owned by Azerbaijan Airlines. Since 2013, the aircraft was operated by the airline, except from 2017 to 2023, when it flew under the airline's subsidiary Buta Airways.{{Cite news |last=Ferreira |first=Carlos |date=25 December 2024 |title=A maior parte dos sobreviventes do acidente com o Embraer no Cazaquistão estava sentada na cauda |trans-title=Most of the survivors of the Embraer crash in Kazakhstan were sitting in the tail |url=https://aeroin.net/a-maior-parte-dos-sobreviventes-do-acidente-com-o-embraer-no-cazaquistao-estava-sentada-na-cauda/ |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Aeroin |language=pt-BR}} The aircraft was 11 years old at the time of the crash and had around 15,257 flight hours.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=ПРЕДВАРИТЕЛЬНЫЙ ОТЧЕТ ПО РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМ РАССЛЕДОВАНИЯ АВИАЦИОННОГО ПРОИСШЕСТВИЯ |trans-title=Preliminary report on the results of the investigation of the aviation accident |url=https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2025/2/4/84f9ee83af415a658fc3d2830d317889_original.3875924.pdf |access-date=4 February 2025 |website=Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan |language=ru}}{{Rp|33}}
= Passengers and crew =
The aircraft was carrying 62 passengers. Of those 37 were citizens of Azerbaijan, 16 of Russia, six of Kazakhstan, and three of Kyrgyzstan. Four minors were on board.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Four minors were on board crashed AZAL aircraft, reports say |url=https://report.az/en/region/four-minors-were-on-board-crashed-azal-aircraft-reports-say/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225161909/https://report.az/en/region/four-minors-were-on-board-crashed-azal-aircraft-reports-say/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Report News Agency}}
The aircraft had a crew of five: two pilots and three flight attendants, all of whom were Azerbaijanis.{{Cite news |last=Ismayilov |first=Emil |date=25 December 2024 |title=Number of casualties in plane crash near Aktau confirmed |url=https://en.apa.az/infrastructure/azal-releases-list-of-names-of-passengers-and-crew-members-on-the-crashed-aircraft-in-aktau-list-updated-456473 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225113044/https://en.apa.az/infrastructure/azal-releases-list-of-names-of-passengers-and-crew-members-on-the-crashed-aircraft-in-aktau-list-updated-456473 |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} Captain Igor Kshnyakin was the pilot in command{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Kazaya uğrayan uçak son kontrolden ne zaman geçti? – Resmi̇ Açiklama |trans-title=When did the plane that suffered the accident pass its final inspection? – Official Statement |url=https://oxu.az/tr/gundem/kazaya-ugrayan-ucak-son-kontrolden-ne-zaman-gecti-resmi-aciklama |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226031738/https://oxu.az/tr/gundem/kazaya-ugrayan-ucak-son-kontrolden-ne-zaman-gecti-resmi-aciklama |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=oxu.az |language=az}} while his copilot was First Officer Aleksandr Kalyaninov. Kshnyakin had over 15,000 hours of flight time.{{Cite news |last=Barabas |first=Peter |date=26 December 2024 |title=Pilots and crew of doomed Azerbaijan Airlines flight hailed as heroes |url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/26/as-more-details-over-azerbaijan-airlines-crash-emerge-captain-and-crew-are-hailed-as-heroe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228014554/https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/26/as-more-details-over-azerbaijan-airlines-crash-emerge-captain-and-crew-are-hailed-as-heroe |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Euronews}} The pilots of the plane and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva were buried at the II Alley of Honor.{{Cite news |date=29 December 2024 |title=Crew members who lost their lives in the plane crash laid to rest in II Alley of Honor |url=https://en.apa.az/social/crew-members-who-lost-their-lives-in-the-plane-crash-laid-to-rest-in-ii-alley-of-honor-photo-report-updated-456944 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency |language=en}} President Ilham Aliyev posthumously awarded them the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan, while the two surviving crew members, Zulfiqar Asadov and Aydan Rahimli, were awarded the Order of "Rashadat" (Courage) of the 1st degree.{{Cite news |date=29 December 2024 |title=President Ilham Aliyev awards crashed plane crew members the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan |url=https://en.apa.az/official-news/president-ilham-aliyev-awards-crashed-plane-crew-members-the-title-of-national-hero-of-azerbaijan-456960 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency |language=en}}
Aftermath
Following the accident, a state of emergency was declared in Tupkaragan District, where the aircraft crashed.{{Cite press release |title=Оқиға орнына Қазақстан ТЖМ басшысы келді |date=25 December 2024 |publisher=Kazakhstan Ministry of Emergency Situations |url=https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/emer/press/news/details/909587?lang=kk |language=kk |via=gov.kz |access-date=27 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227114941/https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/emer/press/news/details/909587%3Flang%3Dkk |archive-date=27 December 2024 |trans-title=The Head of the MES of Kazakhstan arrived at the scene}}{{Cite news |last=Seilkhanov |first=Adlet |date=25 December 2024 |title=Local state of emergency declared near AZAL plane crash site |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/local-state-of-emergency-declared-near-crash-of-azal-plane-crash-472a41/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225155007/https://en.inform.kz/news/local-state-of-emergency-declared-near-crash-of-azal-plane-crash-472a41/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Kazinform}} A total of 482 emergency response personnel, 97 pieces of special equipment, 10 canine brigades, and two aircraft were deployed to the crash site.{{Cite news |last=Hamidov |first=Suleyman |date=25 December 2024 |title=Kazakh Emergency Ministry: Information exchange conducted with Azerbaijan and Russia on plane crash – Video |url=https://en.apa.az/incident/kazakh-emergency-ministry-information-exchange-conducted-with-azerbaijan-and-russia-on-plane-crash-video-456548 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} Additional doctors were flown in from Astana to treat the injured. The Blood Centre of the Mangystau Region reached out to the public, asking that healthy people donate blood. Soon after, residents of Aktau arrived at the centre to donate their blood,{{Cite news |last=Haidir |first=Aida |date=25 December 2024 |title=Aktau Residents Donate Blood After Baku-Grozny Flight Crash |url=https://astanatimes.com/2024/12/aktau-residents-donate-blood-after-baku-grozny-flight-crash/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225105907/https://astanatimes.com/2024/12/aktau-residents-donate-blood-after-baku-grozny-flight-crash/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=The Astana Times}} with around 300 participating.{{Cite news |last=Farida |date=25 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijani resident of Aktau: Nearly 300 people have gathered to participate in blood donation campaign |url=https://en.apa.az/social/azerbaijani-resident-of-aktau-nearly-300-people-have-gathered-to-participate-in-blood-donation-campaign-456512 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225170337/https://en.apa.az/social/azerbaijani-resident-of-aktau-nearly-300-people-have-gathered-to-participate-in-blood-donation-campaign-456512 |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} Residents of Astana also lined up at the city's blood centre to donate blood.{{Cite news |last=Sakenova |first=Saniya |date=25 December 2024 |title=Baku-Grozny Flight Crash Near Aktau Leaves 29 Hospitalized |url=https://astanatimes.com/2024/12/baku-grozny-flight-crash-near-aktau-leaves-29-hospitalized/ |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=The Astana Times}} The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations flew equipment and medical workers to Kazakhstan to help with the response to the crash.{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Katie Marie |last2=Litvinova |first2=Dasha |date=25 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say |url=https://apnews.com/article/azerbaijan-airliner-crash-kazakhstan-aktau-a655474030a347a5a7ddda3a77bbeddc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225081201/https://apnews.com/article/azerbaijan-airliner-crash-kazakhstan-aktau-a655474030a347a5a7ddda3a77bbeddc |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Associated Press}} It later airlifted Russian nationals injured in the accident to Moscow.{{Cite news |last=Azeri |first=Farid |date=26 December 2024 |title=Russian citizens injured in plane crash evacuated to their countries – Photo-Video |url=https://en.apa.az/incident/russian-citizens-injured-in-plane-crash-evacuated-to-their-countries-photo-video-456591 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228125616/https://en.apa.az/incident/russian-citizens-injured-in-plane-crash-evacuated-to-their-countries-photo-video-456591 |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} On 26 December, seven injured Azerbaijanis were repatriated by Baku's Ministry of Emergency Situations.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan's Ministry of Emergency Situations issues statement on repatriation of 7 individuals injured in plane crash |url=https://en.apa.az/incident/azerbaijans-ministry-of-emergency-situations-issues-statement-on-repatriation-of-7-individuals-injured-in-plane-crash-456686 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}}
A Republican headquarters was created on the basis of Kazakhstan's Emergencies Ministry Command Centre, which included representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Healthcare, the Ministry of Transport, the National Guard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies. A blogger, Azamat Sarsenbayev, was arrested and ordered detained for 10 days after taking photos and video of the crash site.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Ақтауда ұшақ құлаған жерде түсірілім жасаған блогер ұсталды |trans-title=Blogger who filmed plane crash site in Aktau detained |url=https://kaz.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/aktauda-ushak-kulagan-jerde-tusrlm-jasagan-bloger-ustaldyi-364377/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227111957/https://kaz.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/aktauda-ushak-kulagan-jerde-tusrlm-jasagan-bloger-ustaldyi-364377/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Tengrinews |language=kk}}{{Cite news |date=28 December 2024 |title=Did Russian air defence down the Azerbaijani plane in Kazakhstan? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/27/did-russian-air-defence-down-the-azerbaijani-plane-in-kazakhstan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227232413/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/27/did-russian-air-defence-down-the-azerbaijani-plane-in-kazakhstan |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Al Jazeera}} The Kazakh police claimed that Sarsenbayev operated a drone, obstructed rescue operations and refused to obey police orders.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Ақтауда ұшақ құлаған жерде түсірілім жасаған блогер ұсталды |trans-title=Blogger who filmed plane crash site in Aktau detained |url=https://kaz.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/aktauda-ushak-kulagan-jerde-tusrlm-jasagan-bloger-ustaldyi-364377/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228144958/https://kaz.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/aktauda-ushak-kulagan-jerde-tusrlm-jasagan-bloger-ustaldyi-364377/ |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Tengrinews.kz |language=kk}}{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Kazakhstan jails blogger who captured early drone footage of downed Azerbaijan Airlines plane |url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2024/12/26/kazakhstan-jails-blogger-who-captured-early-drone-footage-of-downed-azerbaijan-airlines-plane |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228123357/https://meduza.io/en/news/2024/12/26/kazakhstan-jails-blogger-who-captured-early-drone-footage-of-downed-azerbaijan-airlines-plane |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Meduza}} Meanwhile, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued awards to employees of Astana's Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Mangistau Electric Grid Company and Aktau International Airport as well as health workers and police officers involved in the response to the crash.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Plane crash: President Tokayev awards Kazakhstanis for their heroic rescue efforts |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/plane-crash-president-tokayev-awards-kazakhstanis-for-their-heroic-rescue-efforts-be8a9b/ |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=Kazinform}}
A crisis centre was established at the Russian consulate in Oral. Diplomatic staff were also sent to the crash site.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Russia's Consulate General in Uralsk establishes task force on plane crash in Aktau |url=https://report.az/en/region/russia-s-consulate-general-in-uralsk-establishes-task-force-on-plane-crash-in-aktau/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225170728/https://report.az/en/region/russia-s-consulate-general-in-uralsk-establishes-task-force-on-plane-crash-in-aktau/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Report News Agency}} Representatives from the Azerbaijani consulate in Aktau were also deployed to the crash site.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Diplomatic mission: Representatives of Azerbaijan's Consulate General in Aktau are at plane crash site |url=https://report.az/en/region/diplomatic-mission-representatives-of-azerbaijan-s-consulate-general-in-aktau-are-at-plane-crash-site/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225161618/https://report.az/en/region/diplomatic-mission-representatives-of-azerbaijan-s-consulate-general-in-aktau-are-at-plane-crash-site/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Report News Agency}} A special medical team and related equipment were also dispatched from Azerbaijan.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan sends special medical staff, equipment to Aktau following plane crash |url=https://news.az/news/azerbaijan-sends-special-medical-staff-equipment-to-aktau-following-plane-crash |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225163539/https://news.az/news/azerbaijan-sends-special-medical-staff-equipment-to-aktau-following-plane-crash |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} On the day of the accident, one of the aircraft's two flight recorders was located by a search team.{{Cite news |last=Tayir |first=Hassan |last2=Zeinulla |first2=Aruzhan |last3=Fox |first3=Kara |date=25 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashes in Kazakhstan, leaving 38 dead, 29 survivors, officials say |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/25/asia/passenger-plane-crashes-kazakhstan-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225185329/https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/25/asia/passenger-plane-crashes-kazakhstan-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title="Black box" from crashed AZAL plane near Aktau recovered |url=https://azertag.az/en/xeber/black_box_from_crashed_azal_plane_near_aktau_recovered-3349783 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijan State News Agency}}{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Children among 29 survivors as plane crash kills 38 in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/asia/plane-crash-video-kazakhstan-azerbaijan-aktau-j28243-embraer-b2669799.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226023056/https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/asia/plane-crash-video-kazakhstan-azerbaijan-aktau-j28243-embraer-b2669799.html |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=The Independent}} The second was confirmed to be recovered the next day.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Second black box found in Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/second-black-box-found-in-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-25be2a/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226183040/https://en.inform.kz/news/second-black-box-found-in-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-25be2a/ |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=en.inform.kz}}
Azerbaijan Airlines suspended its Baku–Grozny–Baku and Baku–Makhachkala–Baku flights for the duration of the investigation.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=AZAL suspends flights from Baku to Grozny and Makhachkala |url=https://en.apa.az/incident/azal-suspends-flights-from-baku-to-grozny-and-makhachkala-456541 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} It also opened a hotline for relatives of those on board and changed its social media profiles to black as a sign of mourning. The Israeli flag carrier El Al suspended flights from Tel Aviv to Moscow for a week "citing developments in Russia's airspace".{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Israel's flagship carrier suspends all flights to Moscow for week after crash of Azerbaijani plane |url=https://en.apa.az/asia/israels-flagship-carrier-suspends-all-flights-to-moscow-for-week-after-crash-of-azerbaijani-plane-456701 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} It later extended the suspension until the end of March 2025.{{Cite news |date=30 December 2024 |title=Israel's El Al suspends Moscow flights through March |url=https://en.apa.az/asia/israels-el-al-suspends-moscow-flights-through-march-457005 |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} On 27 December Azerbaijan Airlines also suspended flights to Sochi, Volgograd, Ufa, Samara, Mineralnye Vody, Nizhny Novgorod, Vladikavkaz and Saratov, citing "security reasons", likely due to the investigation finding anti aircraft missile damage in the aircraft.{{Cite news |first=Phoebe |last=Hennell |date=27 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan Airlines Suspends Flights to Russia Following Deadly Crash |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/12/27/azerbaijan-airlines-suspends-flights-to-russia-following-deadly-crash-a87471 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227122536/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/12/27/azerbaijan-airlines-suspends-flights-to-russia-following-deadly-crash-a87471 |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=The Moscow Times}} Qazaq Air also suspended its flights from Astana to Yekaterinburg until 27 January 2025 citing similar concerns.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Qazaq Airline suspends flights to Russian city for safety reasons |url=https://en.apa.az/asia/qazaq-airline-suspends-flights-to-russian-city-for-safety-reasons-456774 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228122334/https://en.apa.az/asia/qazaq-airline-suspends-flights-to-russian-city-for-safety-reasons-456774 |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} FlyDubai also suspended flights to Sochi and Mineralnye Vody for a few days. Turkmenistan Airlines also suspended flights from Ashgabat to Moscow Domodedovo Airport from 30 December until 31 January.{{Cite news |last=Sipinski |first=Dominik |date=29 December 2024 |title=AZAL, others suspend Russia routes after crash |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/148710-azal-others-suspend-russia-routes-after-crash |access-date=29 January 2025 |work=ch-aviation}}
According to Azerbaijani government sources, preliminary investigation indicated that the accident was caused by a Russian missile.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Exclusive: Preliminary investigation confirms Russian missile caused Azerbaijan Airlines crash |url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/26/exclusive-preliminary-investigation-confirms-russian-missile-over-grozny-caused-aktau-cras |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226124848/https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/26/exclusive-preliminary-investigation-confirms-russian-missile-over-grozny-caused-aktau-cras |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Euronews}} The Kremlin has stated it would not comment on the causes of the crash until the results of the investigation are announced.{{Cite news |last=Akbarov |first=Farid |date=26 December 2024 |title=Kremlin will not comment on the cause of the plane crash until the results of the examination are announced |url=https://en.apa.az/cis-countries/kremlin-will-not-comment-on-the-cause-of-the-plane-crash-until-the-results-of-the-examination-are-announced-456629 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} NATO called for a comprehensive investigation.{{Cite news |first=Sayad |last=Hasanly |date=26 December 2024 |title=NATO calls for comprehensive investigation into plane crash |url=https://report.az/en/foreign-politics/nato-calls-for-comprehensive-investigation-into-plane-crash/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226135424/https://report.az/en/foreign-politics/nato-calls-for-comprehensive-investigation-into-plane-crash/ |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Report News Agency}}
Azerbaijan Airlines said it would pay 20,000 manats (approximately {{US$|12,000|link=yes}}) as compensation to each of the injured passengers, and 40,000 manats (approximately US$23,000) to the families of those who were killed. All surviving passengers will also receive the relevant insurance payment in accordance with Azerbaijani law.{{Cite news |first=Aynur |last=Bayramova |date=26 December 2024 |title=AZAL təyyarə qəzasında həlak olanların ailələrinə 40 min manat kompensasiya ödəyəcək |trans-title=AZAL to pay 40,000 manats in compensation to families of those killed in plane crash |url=https://report.az/daxili-siyaset/teyyare-qezasinda-helak-olanlarin-ailelerine-20-min-manat-verilecek/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227020904/https://report.az/daxili-siyaset/teyyare-qezasinda-helak-olanlarin-ailelerine-20-min-manat-verilecek/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Report News Agency |language=az}} On 24 January the Kazakh government said that the families of its nationals who died in the crash would receive 5 million tenges each as compensation.{{Cite web |date=24 January 2025 |title=Families of Kazakh nationals killed in Azerbaijan Airlines flight crash to receive compensation |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/families-of-kazakh-nationals-killed-in-azerbaijan-airlines-flight-crash-to-receive-compensation-ccc08a/ |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=Kazinform}}
In February 2025, AlfaStrakhovanie, a Russian insurance company, completed the full payment for the aviation hull insurance of the Embraer 190 aircraft, with a significant portion reinsured by the Russian National Reinsurance Company. While the exact amount remains undisclosed, it is estimated to be between US$25 million and US$30 million. Compensation to passengers, based on the Montreal Convention and Russian law, began in January and continues, with payouts of up to 2 million rubles (around US$22,000) for injury or loss of life.{{cite news |title=Russian Insurer Pays Compensation for AZAL Crash Near Aktau |url=https://timesca.com/russia-pays-compensation-for-embraer-azal-crash-near-aktau/ |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=The Times Of Central Asia |date=5 March 2025}}
= Reactions =
File:Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 commemoration at Heydar Aliyev Airport 8.jpg in Baku, Azerbaijan, 26 December 2024]]
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was en route to the Commonwealth of Independent States summit in Saint Petersburg, Russia, when news of the accident broke out,{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=President Ilham Aliyev held meeting on plane crash |url=https://en.apa.az/official-news/president-ilham-aliyev-held-meeting-on-plane-crash-updated-456500 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225132923/https://en.apa.az/official-news/president-ilham-aliyev-held-meeting-on-plane-crash-updated-456500 |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} leading him to return to Baku,{{Cite web |date=25 December 2024 |title=Plane crash in Aktau: Azerbaijani president returns to Baku |url=https://en.tengrinews.kz/sng/plane-crash-in-aktau-azerbaijani-president-returns-to-baku-265862/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225093153/https://en.tengrinews.kz/sng/plane-crash-in-aktau-azerbaijani-president-returns-to-baku-265862/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |website=Tengrinews.kz |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=25 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijani president cuts short his Russia visit after AZAL plane crash |url=https://news.az/news/azerbaijani-president-cuts-short-his-russia-visit-after-azal-plane-crash |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225112631/https://news.az/news/azerbaijani-president-cuts-short-his-russia-visit-after-azal-plane-crash |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |website=news.az}} where he held an emergency meeting on the accident shortly after landing at Baku airport.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=President Ilham Aliyev holds meeting on plane crash |url=https://report.az/en/domestic-politics/president-ilham-aliyev-holds-meeting-on-plane-crash/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225170850/https://report.az/en/domestic-politics/president-ilham-aliyev-holds-meeting-on-plane-crash/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Report News Agency}} He declared a day of national mourning for 26 December and later expressed thanks for Kazakh officials for their response to the disaster.{{Cite web |date=29 December 2024 |title=AZAL plane crash: Ilham Aliyev thanks Kazakhstanis |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/ilham-aliyev-thanks-kazakhstanis-a16b40/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231000938/https://en.inform.kz/news/ilham-aliyev-thanks-kazakhstanis-a16b40/ |archive-date=31 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=Kazinform}} First lady and vice president Mehriban Aliyeva also expressed condolences, as did Prime Minister Ali Asadov.{{Cite news |last=Farida |date=29 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan PM: This is a tragedy for our entire nation |url=https://en.apa.az/domestic-policy/azerbaijan-pm-this-is-a-tragedy-for-our-entire-nation-456947 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} Condolences to Azerbaijan were expressed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev{{Cite news |title=Tokayev expresses condolences to Azerbaijan's President Aliyev over plane crash |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/tokayev-expresses-condolences-to-azerbaijans-president-aliyev-over-plane-crash-6d268b/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225114235/https://en.inform.kz/news/tokayev-expresses-condolences-to-azerbaijans-president-aliyev-over-plane-crash-6d268b/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Kazinform}} and Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as leaders from countries outside the flight's path.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash: World leaders express condolences |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-world-leaders-express-condolences-09a449/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227053154/https://en.inform.kz/news/azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-world-leaders-express-condolences-09a449/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Kazinform}}
Flowers were laid at the Azerbaijani embassy in Astana in mourning for the victims.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Kazakhstanis carry flowers to Azerbaijani Embassy in Astana |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/kazakhs-carry-flowers-to-azerbaijani-embassy-in-astana-4fe0b6/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225221844/https://en.inform.kz/news/kazakhs-carry-flowers-to-azerbaijani-embassy-in-astana-4fe0b6/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Kazinform}} Amid reports that the aircraft was fired at during a Ukrainian drone attack, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a "thorough investigation", adding that visual evidence at the crash site "points to Russia's responsibility".{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Probe suggests Azerbaijan plane crashed due to 'physical external interference' |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241227-russia-says-azerbaijani-plane-tried-to-land-during-ukraine-drone-attack |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227134331/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241227-russia-says-azerbaijani-plane-tried-to-land-during-ukraine-drone-attack |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=France 24}}{{Cite tweet |number=1872678416518160604 |user=ZelenskyyUa |title=Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський on X}} On 28 December Zelenskyy called Aliyev, expressed condolences and support to Azerbaijan and stated that "Russia must provide clear explanations and stop spreading disinformation".{{Cite tweet |number=1872991535400194290 |user=ZelenskyyUa |title=Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський on X}} White House spokesperson John Kirby said that the United States had seen "early indications" that Russia may have been responsible for the crash, adding that Washington had offered to assist in the investigation.{{Cite news |date=28 December 2024 |title=Russia may be responsible for downed Azerbaijani plane, says US |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd47v659g4o |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=BBC}} European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also said the crash was a "stark reminder" of the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014 and called for a "swift, independent international investigation".{{Cite news |date=28 December 2024 |title=Putin apologises to Azerbaijan without claiming responsibility in plane crash |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241228-putin-apologises-to-azerbaijan-without-claiming-responsibility-in-plane-crash-1 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=France 24}}
A moment of silence was held at noon across Azerbaijan to mark the day of national mourning on 26 December.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan observes a minute of silence in memory of Aktau plane crash victims – Photosession – Video |url=https://en.apa.az/social/azerbaijan-observes-a-minute-of-silence-in-memory-of-aktau-plane-crash-victims-photosession-video-456604 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228111719/https://en.apa.az/social/azerbaijan-observes-a-minute-of-silence-in-memory-of-aktau-plane-crash-victims-photosession-video-456604 |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} It was decided that the matches of the eighth round of Azerbaijan Futsal Premier League and the Azerbaijan National Futsal Cup scheduled for 26 December will begin with a one-minute silence.{{Cite web |date=25 December 2024 |title=Azərbaycanın futzal üzrə Yüksək Liqasının və kubokun oyunlarından əvvəl 1 dəqiqəlik sükut elan olunacaq |trans-title=A minute of silence will be declared before the matches of the Azerbaijani Futsal High League and Cup |url=https://report.az/futbol-xeberleri/azrbaycanin-futzal-uzre-yuksek-liqasinin-ve-kubokun-oyunlarindan-evvel-1-deqiqelik-sukut-elan-olunacaq/ |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=Report News Agency |language=az}} Due to the day of national mourning, the matches of the Azerbaijan Taekwondo Championship,{{Cite web |date=25 December 2024 |title=Taekvondo üzrə Azərbaycan birinciliyi və çempionatının görüşləri matəm günü ilə əlaqədar təxirə salınıb |trans-title=The matches of the Azerbaijan Taekwondo Championship and Championship have been postponed due to the day of mourning. |url=https://report.az/ferdi/taekvondo-uzre-olke-birinciliyi-ve-cempionatinin-gorusleri-matem-gunu-ile-elaqedar-texire-salinib/ |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=Report News Agency |language=az}} as well as the Azerbaijan Wrestling Championship scheduled for 26 December, were postponed.{{Cite web |date=25 December 2024 |title=Güləş üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatının növbəti görüşləri matəm günü ilə bağlı təxirə salınıb |trans-title=The next matches of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Championship have been postponed due to the day of mourning. |url=https://report.az/ferdi/gules-uzre-azerbaycan-cempionatinin-novbeti-gorusleri-matem-gunu-ile-bagli-texire-salinib/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226085836/https://report.az/ferdi/gules-uzre-azerbaycan-cempionatinin-novbeti-gorusleri-matem-gunu-ile-bagli-texire-salinib/ |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=Report News Agency |language=az}} All cultural and mass events planned in theatre and concert venues on that date were also postponed.{{Cite web |date=25 December 2024 |title=Matəm günü ilə əlaqədar teatr-konsert müəssisələrində bütün mədəni-kütləvi tədbirlər təxirə salınıb |trans-title=All cultural and mass events at theater and concert venues have been postponed due to the day of mourning |url=https://apa.az/art/matem-gunu-ile-elaqedar-teatr-konsert-muessiselerinde-butun-medeni-kutlevi-tedbirler-texire-salinib-882165 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=Azerbaijani Press Agency |language=az}}
On 27 December, Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said that Ukrainian drones attacked Grozny as the plane was about to land in thick fog, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Ukrainian drone attack was under way before Azerbaijani plane's crash, Russian aviation chief says |url=https://abc7.com/post/ukrainian-drone-attack-was-before-azerbaijani-planes-crash-russian-aviation-chief-says/15714626/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228143716/https://abc7.com/post/ukrainian-drone-attack-was-before-azerbaijani-planes-crash-russian-aviation-chief-says/15714626/ |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=KABC–TV}}
On 27 December, Azerbaijani media reported that the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov attempted to contact president Aliyev privately and offered "financial support" for the victims, which was interpreted as a personal admission of responsibility and an attempt to resolve the case quietly without public apology. This request was denied and negatively received in Baku.{{Cite web |date=28 December 2024 |title=Təyyarə qəzası: Putin Kadırovu qurban verəcəkmi? |url=https://globalinfo.az/putin-kadirovu-qurban-verecekmi/ |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=GlobalInfo.az |language=tr}} A day of mourning was declared for 28 December in Chechnya by order of Kadyrov.{{Cite web |date=27 December 2024 |title=Власти Чечни объявили траур в связи с авиакатастрофой под Актау |trans-title=Chechen authorities declare mourning over plane crash near Aktau |url=https://www.gazeta.ru/social/news/2024/12/27/24731846.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227151512/https://www.gazeta.ru/social/news/2024/12/27/24731846.shtml |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=Gazeta.Ru |language=ru}}
According to the Flight Safety Foundation's Aviation Safety Network, it would be the third major shooting down of a civilian aircraft linked to armed conflict since 2014, along with Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash: what do we know? |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/what-we-know-about-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-2024-12-27/ |work=Reuters}}{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan Airlines crash: was this another military shoot-down of a civil aircraft? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/plane-crash-azerbaijan-airlines-kazakhstan-russia-b2670430.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228130155/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/plane-crash-azerbaijan-airlines-kazakhstan-russia-b2670430.html |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=The Independent}} Iran Air Flight 655 was shot down near a war zone in 1988.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Exclusive: Survivors on Azerbaijani plane say they heard bangs before it went down |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/passenger-crashed-plane-says-there-was-least-one-loud-bang-before-it-went-down-2024-12-27/ |work=Reuters}} The Wall Street Journal highlighted the risks of civil aviation near war zones, stating that accidental shooting down of civilian aircraft has become the leading cause of deaths in commercial aviation in recent years.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Missiles Are Now the Biggest Killer of Airline Passengers |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/flight-deaths-shot-from-sky-rising-798fd31e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228130155/https://www.wsj.com/world/flight-deaths-shot-from-sky-rising-798fd31e |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}
On 28 December, Putin apologised to Aliyev for the "tragic incident involving the aircraft that occurred in Russian airspace", but did not confirm that the flight had been shot down and did not take responsibility. He also added that Ukrainian drones had been targeting Grozny and that Russian air defence systems had been activated to respond to the attack.{{Cite web |date=28 December 2024 |title=Putin apologizes for 'tragic incident' but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-plane-crash-azerbaijan-a5b0ffa3e410df53556b0cd824f32a6f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228141729/https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-plane-crash-azerbaijan-a5b0ffa3e410df53556b0cd824f32a6f |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Mao |first=Frances |date=28 December 2024 |title=Putin sorry over Azerbaijan Airlines crash but does not accept blame |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqx8l1533j5o |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |date=28 December 2024 |title=Putin apologises to Aliyev over 'tragic incident' with Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/putin-apologises-aliyev-over-tragic-incident-with-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-2024-12-28/ |work=Reuters}} He said that at the time the cities of Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz "were attacked by Ukrainian combat drones, and Russian air defence systems repelled these attacks."{{Cite news |date=28 December 2024 |title=Putin apologizes over 'tragic' Azerbaijan Airlines crash, without admitting responsibility |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/28/asia/russia-air-defenses-azerbaijan-airlines-crash-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229075538/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/28/asia/russia-air-defenses-azerbaijan-airlines-crash-intl/index.html |archive-date=29 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=CNN}} The Kremlin said Russia had launched a criminal investigation into the incident and would cooperate with Azerbaijani prosecutors.{{Cite news |date=28 December 2024 |title=Putin apologizes to Azerbaijani leader for "tragic incident" involving crashed plane in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/putin-russia-azerbaijan-plane-crash-kazakhastan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229160424/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/putin-russia-azerbaijan-plane-crash-kazakhastan/ |archive-date=29 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=CBS News}}
Azerbaijani commentators summarised their expectations in relation to the disaster, regarding Russia's apology, the prosecution of those responsible, and compensation payments. They noted that, while Putin had offered a vague apology, he never officially responded to the other two requests.{{Cite web |date=29 December 2024 |title=Təyyarəmiz vurulduqdan dərhal sonra Kadırovun dəhşətli əmri... |trans-title=Immediately after our plane was shot down, Kadyrov's terrible order... |url=https://globalinfo.az/teyyare-vurulandan-derhal-sonra-kadirovun-hhm-e-dehsetli-emri/ |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=GlobalInfo.az |language=tr}}{{Cite web |date=28 December 2024 |title=Putinin üzrxahlığının Pərdəarxasi: Kremlin planı nədir? |trans-title=Background of Putin's apology: What is the Kremlin's plan? |url=https://globalinfo.az/putinin-uzrxahliginin-perdearxasi-kremlin-plani-nedir/ |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=GlobalInfo.az |language=az}}
Azerbaijani officials claimed that the pilots were denied permission to conduct an emergency landing at any airport in Russia, forcing them to change course to Aktau, an alleged attempt to hide evidence in the hopes the aircraft would crash into the Caspian Sea.{{Cite web |last=Vorobyov |first=Niko |date=1 January 2025 |title='Lack of humanity': Why Azerbaijan is angry with Russia over plane crash |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/1/lack-of-humanity-why-azerbaijan-is-angry-with-russia-over-plane-crash |access-date=2 January 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=26 December 2024 |title=Preliminary investigation: AZAL aircraft shot down by Russian air defence |url=https://caliber.az/en/post/preliminary-investigation-azal-aircraft-shot-down-by-russian-air-defence |access-date=2 January 2025 |website=Caliber.Az |language=en}}
On 6 January 2025, president Aliyev explicitly blamed "representatives of the Russian Federation" for the crash, clarifying that it was Russian air defense that downed the plane according to preliminary investigation. Aliyev also criticised Russia for not closing its airspace prior to the aircraft’s landing and engaging in a cover-up by promoting "absurd versions" instead of simply allowing an emergency landing on nearby airports.{{Cite web |last=Hassan Tayir |last2=Jay Ganglani |date=7 January 2025 |title=Azerbaijan's leader accuses Russia of passenger jet 'cover up' in blistering new attack on neighbor |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/07/asia/azerbaijan-russia-passenger-jet-cover-up-accusation-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=7 January 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}
In a safety bulletin issued on 10 January 2025, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency cited the case of Flight 8243 in reiterating its previous warnings on civilian air traffic over Russian airspace.{{Cite web |date=10 January 2025 |title=Civilian Planes Face 'High Risk' Flying Over Russia, EU Agency Says |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/10/civilian-planes-face-high-risk-flying-over-russia-eu-agency-says-a87554 |access-date=10 January 2025 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}
In May 2025, Aliyev cancelled a visit to Moscow to celebrate the Moscow Victory Day Parade as according to the Azerbaijani Press Agency, multiple factors, such as Russia not taking any "operational investigative measures" nor finding or bringing to justice "those who were responsible", cyberattacks on Azerbaijani media supposedly originating from Russia, and the detention and deportment of Azerbaijani member of parliament Azer Badamov over "repeated anti-Russian and Russophobic statements",{{cite news |title=Reasons for postponement of President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Moscow revealed |url=https://en.apa.az/official-news/reasons-for-postponement-of-president-ilham-aliyevs-visit-to-moscow-revealed-467042 |access-date=8 May 2025 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency |date=7 May 2025 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Russia Bars Entry to Azerbaijani Lawmaker Over ‘Russophobic’ Comments |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/05/russia-bars-entry-to-azerbaijani-lawmaker-over-russophobic-comments-a88974 |access-date=8 May 2025 |work=The Moscow Times |date=5 May 2025 |language=en}} were said to have influenced his decision.
Investigation
File:Ilham Aliyev held meeting on J28243 plane crash 6.jpg in a cabinet meeting in connection with the plane crash, 25 December 2024]]
Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan opened commissions to investigate the disaster.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijani president decrees to establish state commission for plane crash investigation |url=https://news.az/news/azerbaijani-president-decrees-to-establish-state-commission-for-plane-crash-investigation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225131412/https://news.az/news/azerbaijani-president-decrees-to-establish-state-commission-for-plane-crash-investigation |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=News.az}} The Kazakh commission was headed by deputy prime minister Qanat Bozymbaev, while Kazakh emergencies minister Chingis Arinov also visited Aktau.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Kazakh Emergency Minister Chingis Arinov arrives in Aktau |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/kazakh-emergency-minister-chingis-arinov-arrives-in-aktau-58b1f2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225153400/https://en.inform.kz/news/kazakh-emergency-minister-chingis-arinov-arrives-in-aktau-58b1f2/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Kazinform}} The Azerbaijani commission was headed by Prime Minister Ali Asadov.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Measures underway to organize evacuation of Azerbaijani citizens receiving treatment in Aktau |url=https://en.apa.az/social/measures-underway-to-organize-evacuation-of-azerbaijani-citizens-receiving-treatment-in-aktau-456553 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} Azerbaijan sent a delegation consisting of its emergency situations minister, deputy general prosecutor, and the vice president of Azerbaijan Airlines to Aktau to conduct an on-site investigation. It also invited a group of civil aviation experts from Turkey for assistance.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan involves Turkish experts to investigate plane crash |url=https://en.apa.az/social/azerbaijan-involves-turkish-experts-to-investigate-plane-crash-456747 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227084808/https://en.apa.az/social/azerbaijan-involves-turkish-experts-to-investigate-plane-crash-456747 |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} Embraer said it would assist in the investigation.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Why did an Azerbaijan Airline plane crash in Kazakhstan? What we know |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/26/why-did-an-azerbaijan-airline-plane-crash-in-kazakhstan-what-we-know |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Al Jazeera}} It along with the Brazilian air incident investigation agency CENIPA sent representatives to Kazakhstan.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Plane crash near Aktau: Embraer and CENIPA representatives head to Kazakhstan |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/plane-crash-near-aktau-embraer-and-cenipa-representatives-left-for-kazakhstan-b18ee0/ |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Kazinform}} Kazakh authorities have reportedly sent the FDR and CVR to Brazil, where they would be examined by CENIPA.{{Cite news |last=Bagirova |first=Nailia |last2=Kolodyazhnyy |first2=Anton |date=29 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan president says crashed plane was shot at from Russia |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/azerbaijan-pays-tribute-pilots-passengers-who-perished-air-crash-2024-12-29/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229230500/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/azerbaijan-pays-tribute-pilots-passengers-who-perished-air-crash-2024-12-29/ |archive-date=29 December 2024 |access-date=30 December 2024 |publisher=Reuters}} Russia also opened an investigation initially headed by the Western Inter-regional Investigation Department for Transport and later the Investigative Committee.{{Cite news |date=29 December 2024 |title=Russian Investigative Committee's head office takes over plane incident investigation |url=https://en.apa.az/incident/russian-investigative-committees-head-office-takes-over-plane-incident-investigation-456914 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}}
On 26 December Kazakhstan said that law enforcement officials from Russia and Azerbaijan were not allowed to participate in the forensic investigation, citing existing laws.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Plane crash near Aktau: Azerbaijani prosecutors came to Grozny |url=https://en.inform.kz/news/plane-crash-near-aktau-azerbaijani-prosecutors-came-to-grozny-99c3bb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227165104/https://en.inform.kz/news/plane-crash-near-aktau-azerbaijani-prosecutors-came-to-grozny-99c3bb/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Kazinform}} On 27 December, Azerbaijan rejected a proposal by Russia and Kazakhstan to have the accident investigated by the Interstate Aviation Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States, saying that it wanted the investigation to be conducted by international experts and Embraer specialists.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan rejects Russia and Kazakhstan's proposal for CIS Interstate Aviation Committee to investigate plane crash |url=https://en.apa.az/incident/azerbaijan-rejects-russia-and-kazakhstans-proposal-for-cis-interstate-aviation-committee-to-investigate-plane-crash-456741 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} President Ilham Aliyev cited issues of objectivity caused by the predominance of Russian officials in the committee as a reason for the refusal.
In the initial aftermath, Azerbaijan Airlines stated that bird strikes could have caused the plane to crash, with Azerbaijan Airlines President Samir Rzayev, speaking to journalists, ruling out a technical failure as a potential cause.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title="Azərbaycan təyyarəsi Rusiya HHM sistemi ilə vurulub". Bakıdan ilk yarırəsmi versiya |trans-title="Azerbaijani plane shot down by Russian missile system." First semi-official version from Baku |url=https://jam-news.net/az/az%C9%99rbaycan-t%C9%99yyar%C9%99sini-rusiya-vurub/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227214905/https://jam-news.net/az/az%C9%99rbaycan-t%C9%99yyar%C9%99sini-rusiya-vurub/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=JAMnews |language=az}} Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency suggested that based on preliminary information, the request for emergency landing was due to a bird strike.{{Cite news |last=Tayir |first=Hassan |last2=Vlasova |first2=Svitlana |last3=Butenko |first3=Victoria |last4=Lilieholm |first4=Lucas |last5=Szekeres |first5=Edward |date=25 December 2024 |title=Plane carrying 67 people crashes in Kazakhstan, officials say; more than 20 survive |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/25/asia/passenger-plane-crashes-kazakhstan-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=At least 38 dead after Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashes in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/25/passenger-plane-crashes-in-kazakhstan-emergencies-ministry |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225084009/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/25/passenger-plane-crashes-in-kazakhstan-emergencies-ministry |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Al Jazeera}} Later, Kazakhstan's emergency services reported that an oxygen cylinder on board might have exploded.{{Cite news |last=Popov |first=Roman |date=25 December 2024 |title=Самолет Баку-Грозный сбили? Следы поражающих элементов обнаружили на фюзеляже |trans-title=Baku-Grozny plane shot down? Traces of striking elements found on fuselage |url=https://arbatmedia.kz/news-kz/samolet-baku-groznyi-mogli-sbit-obnaruzeny-sledy-porazayushhix-elementov-8606 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225211512/https://arbatmedia.kz/news-kz/samolet-baku-groznyi-mogli-sbit-obnaruzeny-sledy-porazayushhix-elementov-8606 |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Arbat media |language=ru}}{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=При крушении самолёта Azerbaijan Airlines в Казахстане погибли 38 человек |trans-title=38 killed in Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.gazeta.uz/ru/2024/12/25/aktau-plane/ |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=gazeta.uz |language=ru}}{{Cite news |last=Daribay |first=Aruzhan |date=25 December 2024 |title=Авиакатастрофа в Актау: появилось видео из салона самолета |trans-title=Air crash in Aktau: video from the cabin of the plane has appeared |url=https://tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/aviakatastrofa-v-aktau-poyavilos-video-iz-salona-samoleta-558015/ |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=TengriNews |language=ru}}
The bird strike hypothesis was soon questioned, as images from the scene showed significant perforations on the tail surfaces.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=На самолете Azerbaijan Airlines заметили дыры, похожие на следы от стрельбы |trans-title=Azerbaijan Airlines plane has holes that look like gunshot wounds |url=https://news.ru/cis/na-samolete-azerbaijan-airlines-zametili-dyry-pohozhie-na-sledy-ot-strelby/ |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=NEWS.ru |language=ru}}{{Cite web |last=Livesay |first=Chris |last2=Smith |first2=Barny |last3=Reals |first3=Tucker |date=27 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan "does not look like" bird strike as Russia suggested, experts say |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-kazakhstan-russia-ukraine-war/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Aviation experts say Russia's air defense fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns |url=https://apnews.com/article/azerbaijan-airliner-crash-aktau-kazakstan-embraer-872800d95273ee96e0950192a32e5228 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227030533/https://apnews.com/article/azerbaijan-airliner-crash-aktau-kazakstan-embraer-872800d95273ee96e0950192a32e5228 |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Neuman |first=Scott |date=27 December 2024 |title=Photos from Azerbaijan jet crash suggest a missile strike, according to experts |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/12/27/nx-s1-5240981/azerbaijan-airlines-passenger-jet-crash-russia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228015511/https://www.npr.org/2024/12/27/nx-s1-5240981/azerbaijan-airlines-passenger-jet-crash-russia |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=National Public Radio}} Survivors of the crash reported hearing an explosion followed by shrapnel hitting the plane and some passengers.{{Cite news |last=Fouda |first=Makel |date=25 December 2024 |title=Russian air defence missile incident emerges as likely cause of Azerbaijan Airlines crash |url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/25/azerbaijani-passenger-plane-crashes-near-kazakh-city-of-aktau |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225091243/https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/25/azerbaijani-passenger-plane-crashes-near-kazakh-city-of-aktau |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Euronews}} The crew had reported a strong impact on the fuselage from what was initially assumed to have been birds. Multiple experts from multiple countries stated that the damage in the images were not consistent with a bird strike, and that birds do not fly at the altitude that the plane was flying when the initial damage occurred.
On 26 December Azerbaijani government sources stated to AnewZ and Euronews that a Russian Pantsir-S1 had fired a missile at the aircraft above Grozny, detonating near the plane, injuring passengers and crew members.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Preliminary investigation: AZAL aircraft shot down by Russian air defence – Exclusive data by Caliber.Az |url=https://caliber.az/en/post/preliminary-investigation-azal-aircraft-shot-down-by-russian-air-defence |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226142823/https://caliber.az/en/post/preliminary-investigation-azal-aircraft-shot-down-by-russian-air-defence |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=caliber.az}} According to the same sources, despite the pilots' requests to perform an emergency landing, they were denied to do so at any Russian airport, instead being ordered to fly towards Aktau. Subsequent analysis indicated that the missile explosion occurred at an altitude of {{convert|2,400|m|ft}} over Naursky District, {{convert|18|km}} north-northwest of Grozny airport.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Drone attack in the North Caucasus and the crash of an AZAL plane: How did the plane disappear from radar?-RESEARCH |url=https://en.apa.az/political/drone-attack-in-the-north-caucasus-and-the-crash-of-an-azal-plane-how-did-the-plane-disappear-from-radar-research-456694 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency}} According to Russian sources, as Flight 8243 flew over Chechen airspace, Russian air defence forces were actively engaging Ukrainian drones. On the morning of 25 December, the head of the Security Council of the Chechen Republic, Khamzat Kadyrov, confirmed that Grozny had been attacked by drones. He stated that there were no casualties or damage resulting from the accident. Azerbaijani media also published similar reports, citing Euronews' statement.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title="Euronews": AZAL-ın qəzaya uğrayan təyyarəsinə Rusiya hava limanlarına eniş icazəsi verilməyib, GPS-i bloklanıb |trans-title=Euronews: AZAL plane that crashed was denied landing permission at Russian airports, GPS blocked |url=https://apa.az/hadise/euronews-azal-in-qezaya-ugrayan-teyyaresine-rusiya-hava-limanlarina-enis-icazesi-verilmeyib-gps-i-bloklanib-882302 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Azerbaijani Press Agency |language=az}}
Four sources in Azerbaijan with knowledge of the investigation informed Reuters that the airplane was downed by a Russian air defence system.{{Cite news |last=Bagirova |first=Nailia |last2=Stolyarov |first2=Gleb |date=26 December 2024 |title=Russian air-defense system downed Azerbaijan plane, sources say |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/azerbaijan-airlines-flight-was-downed-by-russian-air-defence-system-four-sources-2024-12-26/ |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Reuters}} According to one of the sources, preliminary investigation showed that the plane was hit by a Russian Pantsir-S air defence system, and its communication systems were jammed by electronic warfare systems when approaching Grozny. In response, Azerbaijani MP Rasim Musabeyov demanded from Russia an official apology and bringing to justice those responsible, adding that otherwise "relations will be affected".
In the article published in The Times on 27 December, an American pilot and two French experts analysed the post-crash video, and stated that the plane was probably hit by a missile. The article stated that after losing all flight control systems, the pilots attempted to make an emergency landing. Experts reported that videos taken before and after the crash indicate that shrapnel pierced the rear of the aircraft, disabling all three parallel hydraulic systems located in the wings and tail section. When the control systems failed, the crew likely tried to manage the aircraft's pitch and roll angles by independently adjusting the thrust power of the two engines.{{Cite news |last=Bremner |first=Charles |date=27 December 2024 |title=Was Azerbaijan Airlines plane shot down? Crash footage gives answers |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/asia/article/was-azerbaijan-plane-shot-down-russia-kazakhstan-9krcrp39x |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227045035/https://www.thetimes.com/world/asia/article/was-azerbaijan-plane-shot-down-russia-kazakhstan-9krcrp39x |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=The Times}}
On 27 December the Azerbaijani minister of digital development and transportation Rashad Nabiyev said that preliminary results showed that Flight 8243 crashed due to "physical and technical external interference" from an unspecified weapon.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijani minister says plane that crashed was hit from the outside, possibly by a weapon |url=https://apnews.com/article/azerbaijan-airliner-crash-aktau-kazakhstan-russia-embraer-f23c1bb34a3c6911be5d00ae8fdccbdc |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Associated Press}}
That same day Rosaviatsia declared that a closed-skies protocol called the "Carpet" ({{Langx|ru|Ковер|Kovyor|}}) plan had been imposed in Grozny on the day of the crash, citing the presence of Ukrainian drones.{{Cite news |last=Kirby |first=Paul |last2=Khalilova |first2=Konul |date=27 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan airline blames 'external interference' for plane crash |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4717j21kko |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227132627/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4717j21kko |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=BBC News}}
On 29 December President Aliyev said that the aircraft was shot down by Russia unintentionally and criticised Moscow for trying to "hush up" the incident and initially releasing "delirious versions" of what happened. He also acknowledged Putin's apology over the disaster, while demanding that Russia admit responsibility, punish those culpable and pay compensation to Azerbaijan and the victims.{{Cite news |date=29 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan's president says crashed jetliner was shot down by Russia unintentionally |url=https://apnews.com/article/azerbaijan-russia-plane-crash-e6c1002284a900fa635eecf5573214ea |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229151703/https://apnews.com/article/azerbaijan-russia-plane-crash-e6c1002284a900fa635eecf5573214ea |archive-date=29 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=AP News}}{{Cite web |date=29 December 2024 |title=Ilham Aliyev was interviewed by Azerbaijan Television |url=https://president.az/en/articles/view/67806 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229142728/https://president.az/en/articles/view/67806 |archive-date=29 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=Official web-site of President of Azerbaijan Republic |language=en}} The next day, the Azerbaijani General Prosecutor said that he was told by the head of Russia's Investigative Committee that "intensive measures are being carried out to identify the guilty people and bring them to criminal responsibility".{{Cite news |date=30 December 2024 |title=Russian Investigators Vow to Punish Those Responsible for Azerbaijani Plane Crash, Baku Says |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/12/30/russian-investigators-vow-to-punish-those-responsible-for-azerbaijani-plane-crash-baku-says-a87484 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230163231/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/12/30/russian-investigators-vow-to-punish-those-responsible-for-azerbaijani-plane-crash-baku-says-a87484 |archive-date=30 December 2024 |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=The Moscow Times}}
On 24 January 2025, Azerbaijani media reported that the results of an investigation conducted in Russia confirmed that the aircraft had been shot down by the "Pantsir S-1" Air Defense (AD) system. It was reported that this system was brought to Russia from Syria. The investigation determined that radio-electronic warfare equipment had been used against the aircraft, and the Russian side identified both the individuals who fired at the aircraft and those who gave the orders.{{Cite web |date=24 January 2025 |title=Investigation in Russia confirms Pantsir-S1 air defense system responsible for AZAL plane crash |url=https://report.az/en/incident/media-azal-aircraft-was-shot-down-by-pantsir-s-1/ |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=Report News Agency |language=en}}
On 4 February 2025, a preliminary report by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport indicated that the aircraft crashed as a likely result from "external objects" penetrating the structure, causing hydraulic system failure, loss of control, and structural damage, including penetration marks on the vertical stabilizer and stabilizer, along with a complete loss of hydraulic fluid and pressure. In response, Azerbaijani officials confirmed the discovery of Pantsir S-1 missile fragments inside the wreckage, attributing it to the preliminary report and reinforcing claims that the aircraft was struck by an external force before crashing.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=СМИ: АР располагает фрагментом ракеты комплекса «Панцирь-С», извлеченным из обломков самолета AZAL |trans-title=Media: AP has fragment of Pantsir-S missile system recovered from AZAL plane wreckage |url=https://media.az/politika/smi-ar-raspolagaet-fragmentom-rakety-kompleksa-pancir-s-izvlechennym-iz-oblomkov-samoleta-azal |access-date=4 February 2025 |website=media.az |language=ru}}
= Hypotheses=
File:MAKS Airshow 2013 (Ramenskoye Airport, Russia) (521-05).jpg
Flight 8243 was flying in an area where Russia claims to have recently downed Ukrainian drones attacking Russia as part of the Russo-Ukrainian War when it crashed. According to Flightradar24, Flight 8243 encountered GPS interference, with invalid ADS-B position data starting at 04:25 UTC due to significant interference.
Damage to the plane included apparent shrapnel marks on the vertical stabilizer and wings, suggesting an explosion nearby.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.currenttime.tv/a/33252822.html |title="Самолет мог быть поврежден зенитной ракетой". Ян Матвеев – о версии авиакатастрофы в Казахстане из-за работы российской ПВО |date=25 December 2024 |language=ru |trans-title="The plane could have been damaged by an anti-aircraft missile." Yan Matveyev on the version of the plane crash in Kazakhstan due to the work of Russian air defense |access-date=25 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225215600/https://www.currenttime.tv/a/33252822.html |archive-date=25 December 2024 |url-status=live |via=www.currenttime.tv}} Witness accounts reported injuries, with one woman wounded in the leg, and another witness's life jacket pierced by shrapnel.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} Military analyst Yan Matveyev suggested that Russian anti-aircraft systems, possibly the Pantsir-S1, may have mistaken the plane for a UAV due to a failure in the Pantsir's friend-or-foe identification system. Speaking to Türkiye Today, aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia challenged the bird strike hypothesis, saying "You can lose control of the plane, but you don't fly wildly off course as a consequence." Türkiye Today noted that the extensive shrapnel damage patterns across the aircraft's fuselage and tail section were inconsistent with damage from bird strikes, instead resembling "anti-aircraft munition impacts", adding that "The concentration of puncture holes in the tail section suggests a possible loss of hydraulic systems, similar to the United Airlines Flight 232 accident".{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Growing evidence suggests Azerbaijan Airlines flight was targeted by missile strike |url=https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/growing-evidence-suggests-azerbaijan-airlines-flight-was-targeted-by-missile-strike-97513/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225184130/https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/growing-evidence-suggests-azerbaijan-airlines-flight-was-targeted-by-missile-strike-97513/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Türkiye Today}} Militarnyi noted similarities between this flight and an Ilyushin Il-22PP damaged by an anti-aircraft missile, stating that "one can see the similarity of damage and the number of holes in the hull, which probably indicates damage by a high-explosive fragment".{{Cite news |date=25 December 2024 |title=Baku-Grozny Flight Crashes Over Russia: Evidence Points to Possible Air Defense Hit |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/baku-grozny-flight-crashes-over-russia-evidence-points-to-possible-air-defense-hit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225230632/https://mil.in.ua/en/news/baku-grozny-flight-crashes-over-russia-evidence-points-to-possible-air-defense-hit/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=Militarnyi}} Meduza similarly described evidence suggesting that the jet was hit by Russian air defences.{{cite Q|Q131557744}}
Osprey Flight Solutions, a United Kingdom-based aviation security firm which provides analysis for airlines still flying into Russia, warned its clients that a Russian military air defence system had likely shot down the aircraft.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=Azerbaijan Airlines plane 'likely shot down by Russian air defences' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/12/25/azerbaijan-airlines-crash-speculation-plane-accident/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226000507/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/12/25/azerbaijan-airlines-crash-speculation-plane-accident/ |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=The Telegraph}}{{Cite news |last=Liebermann |first=Owen |last2=Tyler |first2=Hassan |last3=Zeinulla |first3=Aruzhan |last4=Nicholls |first4=Catherine |date=28 December 2024 |title=Black boxes of downed Azerbaijani jet recovered as questions mount over Russian involvement. Here's what we know |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/26/asia/kazakhstan-plane-crash-questions-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226193448/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/26/asia/kazakhstan-plane-crash-questions-intl/index.html |archive-date=26 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=CNN}} On 27 December, The New York Times reported that Azerbaijani investigators believed a Russian Pantsir-S1 air-defence system was responsible for the damage.{{Cite web |last=Mazaeva |first=Milana |last2=Nechepurenko |first2=Ivan |date=27 December 2024 |title=A Strange Banging Sound, Chaos and Prayers Before a Plane Crashes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/world/europe/azerbaijan-airlines-crash-kazakhstan-survivors.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228070120/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/world/europe/azerbaijan-airlines-crash-kazakhstan-survivors.html |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=New York Times}}
See also
- Attacks in Russia during the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Flight with disabled controls
- List of airliner shootdown incidents
- Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which was shot down over Ukraine on 17 July 2014 during the War in Donbas
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Aviation accidents and incidents in 2024}}
{{Aviation accidents and incidents in Russia in the 2020s}} {{Aviation accidents and incidents in Kazakhstan}}
{{Russian invasion of Ukraine|Related}}
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