Azerbaijan Airlines Crash, Blames On Russia
The consequences of fight between Russia and Ukraine faced by Azerbaijani!
An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, traveling from Baku to Grozny on Wednesday, was diverted and crashed while attempting to land near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after crossing the Caspian Sea.
The plane went down approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) from Aktau’s coast. Online videos showed the aircraft descending steeply before crashing and erupting into flames.
Rescue teams transported 29 survivors to local hospitals.
- Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crashed near Aktau, possibly hit by Russian air defenses during a Ukrainian drone attack.
- Experts point to missile strike evidence; Aliyev demands an apology, accountability, and compensation from Russia.
- Putin called it a “tragic incident” but hasn’t formally admitted fault.
What Officials Think?
Authorities in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia are investigating the plane crash, with early theories suggesting causes like a bird strike, bad weather, or an oxygen canister explosion. Embraer, the plane’s manufacturer, has stated its readiness to assist in the investigation.
Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s Rosaviatsia, reported that as the plane approached Grozny in thick fog, Ukrainian drones targeted the city, leading to a temporary air traffic closure. After two failed landing attempts, the captain opted to reroute to Aktau.
Later, U.S. and Azerbaijani officials suggested the crash might have been caused by weapons fire. This aligns with aviation experts’ claims that Russian air defense systems, responding to a Ukrainian attack, may have accidentally downed the plane.
Why Is Russian Being Blamed?
Some aviation experts suggest that the holes in the plane’s tail after the crash indicate it may have been struck by Russian air defense systems countering a Ukrainian drone attack.
Mark Zee of OPSGroup, which monitors global airspace risks, assessed the crash fragments and estimated a 90-99% likelihood of a surface-to-air missile strike. Similarly, UK-based aviation security firm Osprey Flight Solutions advised clients that the
Azerbaijan Airlines flight was likely shot down by a Russian military air-defense system.
Osprey’s CEO, Andrew Nicholson, noted that since February 2022, the company has issued over 200 warnings about drone attacks and air defense activities in Russia.
FlightRadar24 reported that the aircraft experienced “strong GPS jamming” that disrupted flight tracking data. Russia frequently employs advanced jamming equipment to defend against drone incursions.
What Do Leaders Say?
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated on Sunday that a jet was accidentally shot down by Russia.
Speaking on Azerbaijani state television, he clarified,
We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done.
Aliyev accused Russia of attempting to downplay the incident for several days, expressing frustration with what he called “delirious versions” of events from Russian officials.
Azerbaijan issued three demands to Russia regarding the crash: an apology, an admission of responsibility, and punishment for those involved, including compensation for the Azerbaijani state, injured passengers, and crew.
Aliyev acknowledged that Russian President Vladimir Putin had already fulfilled the first demand by apologizing on Saturday, referring to the crash as a “tragic incident” but not formally admitting Russia’s fault.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed another phone call between Putin and Aliyev on Sunday but did not disclose the details of their discussion.
