Investigation Reveals Damage on Crashed Azerbaijan Airlines Plane

A preliminary report indicates that the crashed Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 was extensively damaged by external objects. The plane lost control after reporting a GPS failure, resulting in 38 fatalities. Azerbaijan suggests Russian air defenses may have mistakenly shot it down, while Moscow speculates other causes. An investigation continues under Kazakhstan’s leadership, which has not directly blamed Russia.

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, which crashed in Kazakhstan while on its way to Russia in December, was reported to have suffered extensive damage from external objects before impact. This was highlighted in a recent preliminary report from Kazakhstan’s transport ministry, which included images of the aircraft showing multiple holes. While the report detailed damage to the tail, left engine, and wing, it did not pinpoint the exact cause of the crash, nor why the plane veered off course.

The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 38 of the 67 passengers aboard. The crew had communicated with air traffic control in Grozny, Russia, to report a loss of GPS signal, which was soon followed by a loss of control over the aircraft. Azerbaijani authorities, including President Ilham Aliyev, have suggested that Russian air defenses might have mistakenly shot down the plane.

Initially, Russian officials speculated that the crash may have resulted from a bird strike or a gas cylinder explosion. Russian President Vladimir Putin later extended a public apology, describing the event as a “tragic accident” amid an ongoing operation by Russian air defenses against a Ukrainian drone attack. However, Moscow stopped short of directly accepting responsibility for the incident.

A U.S. official commented earlier, indicating that there were preliminary signs a Russian anti-aircraft system might have struck the aircraft in an active conflict zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Following the incident, the Kremlin announced a criminal investigation. Although Kazakhstan is spearheading the investigation due to the crash location, it has refrained from directly blaming Russia.

The preliminary report into the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crash reveals significant damage possibly caused by external objects, although the exact cause remains undetermined. With 38 fatalities, the incident has sparked discussions about the involved Russian air defenses and raised questions regarding accountability. Kazakhstan continues to lead the investigation without placing direct blame on Moscow, despite claims from Azerbaijani officials regarding Russian involvement.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com