An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 carrying 67 people crashed on the morning of December 25 near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after the flight, J2 8243, encountered severe difficulties during its attempted landing. The aircraft, which had taken off from Baku, Azerbaijan, was originally bound for Grozny but was diverted to Aktau due to thick fog. The crash has resulted in at least 38 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest incidents involving the Embraer 190 model.
According to reports from the Kazakh government, the flight had 62 passengers aboard and five crew members. The aircraft was initially redirected to Makhachkala, Russia, when it faced poor visibility upon approaching its destination. After declaring emergencies, the aircraft began making erratic movements, losing altitude significantly before crashing approximately three kilometers from Aktau.
The aircraft, registered as 4K-AZ65, was 11 years old and had completed nearly 9,500 hours of flight time. Eyewitness accounts and videos shared on social media captured the final moments of the Embraer 190 as it appeared to descend rapidly and make contact with the ground, leading to large explosions. Reports suggest significant damage to the tail area, leading to speculation about potential missile damage, though no definitive evidence has been confirmed by officials.
According to the latest figures provided by the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan, 32 survivors have been accounted for, with various injuries, though numbers have fluctuated, creating confusion about the overall toll. The exact death toll is still being ascertained, with various reports indicating different figures from surviving passengers. The Emergencies Ministry of Kazakhstan initially announced 38 fatalities; later adjusted statements specified at least 32 survivors.
Emergency services rushed to the crash site. With fog disrupting operations, various agencies immediately began search and rescue missions. "Today is a tragic day for AZAL. We extend our deepest condolences with deep sorrow to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew who lost their lives..." expressed Azerbaijan Airlines. Rescue teams were seen attending to the surviving passengers, helping them evacuate the wreckage.
Throughout the incident, flight tracking website Flightradar24 recorded erratic readings for the aircraft, showing alarming fluctuations during the last 74 minutes of the flight, with shifts from steep ascending climbs to rapid descents. The confusion about technical failures was compounded by the extreme conditions present just before the landing attempt.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has ordered investigations, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, conveyed his condolences during conversations with Aliyev. "Putin already called to express his condolences over the plane crash. We extend our deepest sympathy to those who lost loved ones..." stated Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
The investigation remains open as authorities look to determine the cause behind the tragedy. Both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan declared days of mourning for the victims, marking their grief over the significant loss of life. The airline has provided reassurance to the public, stating they would continue all other flights as scheduled until the accident investigation concludes, but will halt operations between Grozny and Baku during this time.
This tragic incident raises pressing questions about aviation safety regulations and measures to prevent such disastrous occurrences. The investigation will likely focus on the flight crew's response to the technical failures, possible mechanical issues, and the impact of external factors such as weather conditions or potential defense operations.
With this crash marking one of the deadliest involving the Embraer 190 model, aviation experts and officials will dissect every detail as families and friends mourn the loss of their loved ones. The international aviation community will closely monitor the findings as they emerge, providing insights and calls for enhanced safety protocols to protect airline passengers across the globe.
