The Ministry of Transport has released a report detailing the preliminary findings of the investigation into the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane, which occurred on December 25 near Aktau, as reported by Tengrinews.kz correspondent.
The report comprises 53 pages. It specifies that the investigation conducted as part of this report "does not aim to establish the degree of anyone's guilt or responsibility."
The report has been published on our Telegram via the link.
"The information presented in this report is preliminary and may be clarified and supplemented based on the results of research and review of all materials. A final report on the results of the aviation incident investigation will be prepared upon completion of the work," the document states.
Additionally, the report notes that the commission continues to conduct a detailed examination of the damage to the aircraft's structures.
"The initial inspection of the remaining fragments revealed numerous through and non-through damages of various sizes and shapes in the tail section of the fuselage, fin, and stabilizer, as well as in the elevators and rudders. Similar damages were found on the left engine and left wing of the aircraft, as well as on the aircraft's units and components. In some areas, the damages have a regular rectangular shape."
Plane Crash in Aktau: What Happened?
On December 25, 2024, a tragic aviation accident occurred three kilometers from Aktau Airport involving an Embraer aircraft from Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). The plane, which was on a flight from Baku to Grozny, crashed while attempting an emergency landing. There were 62 passengers and 5 crew members on board.
Investigation and Theories
The investigation into the disaster is led by Kazakhstan in accordance with the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) convention. Specialists from Azerbaijan, Russia, international experts, and representatives from Embraer are involved in the process. The black boxes have been retrieved and are being decoded with the participation of international experts.
Azerbaijani media, as well as Euronews and Reuters, have published materials discussing the theory that Russian air defense systems may have played a role in the disaster.
On December 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences regarding the tragic incident occurring in Russian airspace and once again extended his deep and sincere sympathies to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
On December 29, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the Azerbaijani civilian aircraft sustained external damage on Russian territory near Grozny and practically lost control. According to him, the aircraft was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare means.
Furthermore, the Azerbaijani president mentioned demands directed at Russia.
How Many Passengers Were On Board
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, there were 62 passengers and 5 crew members on board:
- 42 citizens of Azerbaijan;
- 16 citizens of Russia;
- 6 citizens of Kazakhstan;
- 3 citizens of Kyrgyzstan.
Among the survivors are citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. There were no survivors among the Kazakhs.
List of deceased Kazakhs:
- Tulesinov Sandibek Ekibaevich, born November 16, 1988, a native of Mangistau region, residing in Zhanaozen.
- Dzhumagulov Bauyrzhan Dzhumabaevich, born September 30, 1985, a native of Mangistau region, residing in Zhanaozen.
- Makhsoodova Galina Rastambekovna, born January 12, 1978, a native of Mangistau region, residing in Aktau.
- Shaimerdenova Gauhar Zhumagatovna, born July 17, 1975, a native of Almaty, residing in Astana.
- Dzhumagat Eldar (son of Gauhar Shaimerdenova), born August 23, 2013, residing in Astana.
- Dzhutaeva Salima Amanzholovna, born February 21, 1995, a native of Kostanay region.
Today, it was announced at a government briefing when the preliminary results of the investigation into the plane crash near Aktau would be published.
