Experts Attribute Fatal Kazakhstan Plane Crash to Russian Air Defense Fire
Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 and injuring 29. Experts suggest Russian air defense may have downed the plane during diversion from Baku to Grozny due to bad weather. Azerbaijan mourned the victims as investigations point to potential missile strike and highlight ongoing aerial risks in the region.
Azerbaijani officials and aviation experts reported that Russian air defense fire likely caused a plane crash in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people. The Embraer 190, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, crashed while attempting to land in Aktau after being diverted mid-flight from Baku to Grozny due to deteriorating weather conditions. The crash occurred approximately 3 kilometers from the airport, with eyewitness footage showing the aircraft descending steeply before impact and catching fire.
In the aftermath, Azerbaijan observed a national day of mourning, with flags at half-staff and a moment of silence to honor the victims. President Ilham Aliyev suggested that speculation on crash causes was premature, emphasizing the weather as a factor for the diversion to Aktau. Preliminary reports from Russian authorities indicated that an emergency was triggered by a bird strike, but conflicting views emerged.
Azerbaijani lawmaker Rasim Musabekov accused Russia, asserting that the aircraft was shot at during its flight. He called for Russia to formally apologize and emphasized the need for accountability. Concurrently, experts noted that visible damage on the aircraft might indicate it was hit by a Russian surface-to-air missile, potentially in response to a drone threat from Ukraine, which had previously targeted regions in the North Caucasus.
Analysts like Mark Zee from OPSGroup, who study airspace risks, estimate a 90-99% likelihood that the plane was downed by a surface-to-air missile. Osprey Flight Solutions, monitoring air activities, stated that the flight appeared to have been shot down by Russian air defense. CEO Andrew Nicholson remarked on the tragic loss of life amidst ongoing drone threats in the region, highlighting the complexities of air safety during the conflict.
Independent military experts, including Yan Matveyev, noted damage resembling shrapnel impact, supportive of the theory that the plane was struck by missile fragments. Questions linger about why the pilots chose to divert so far instead of landing at a nearer Russian airport when affected. Reports from Azerbaijani media suggested the plane was indeed targeted while approaching Grozny, raising concerns over Russian airspace management during what officials termed an active drone threat.
While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov urged caution against premature conclusions, Kazakhstan’s parliamentary speaker criticized the allegations against Russian forces as unfounded. The incident has sparked debates on flight safety and the responsibilities of air traffic management amid regional conflicts, drawing attention to the need for stringent measures in aviation protocols.
Among the passengers were 42 Azerbaijanis, alongside nationals from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The Russian Emergencies Ministry organized the transportation of nine survivors to Moscow for medical care following the incident.
The crash of an Azerbaijani plane in Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities, has raised serious concerns about potential Russian air defense involvement. Experts suggest the aircraft was likely struck by a missile amidst ongoing regional tensions. This incident highlights significant implications for aviation safety in conflict zones and raises questions about crisis management protocols and international accountability in air traffic control.
Original Source: www.29news.com
