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Investigation Into Azerbaijani Jet Crash in Kazakhstan Reveals Possible External Damage

A preliminary report regarding the tragic crash of an Azerbaijani jet in Kazakhstan has been released, suggesting that the aircraft may have suffered damage from “external objects” prior to its descent. The incident, which occurred in December, resulted in the loss of 38 lives among the 67 passengers and crew on board.

This comprehensive 53-page report, disseminated by Kazakhstan’s transport ministry, provided visuals of the aircraft that displayed numerous holes but stopped short of determining the precise cause of the aircraft’s deviation from its flight path, which ultimately led to the crash in the western city of Aktau.

Before the aircraft went off course, the flight crew communicated with air traffic controllers in Grozny, Russia, indicating that they had lost their GPS signal. Shortly after this report, they reportedly lost control of the airplane.

The investigation identified varying types of damage, particularly in the tail section, the left engine, and the left wing. These findings have fueled speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash, with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev asserting that Russian air defense systems inadvertently shot down Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243.

Initially, Russian authorities speculated that a bird strike or an explosion, potentially involving a gas cylinder, might have caused the tragedy. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin later issued an uncommon public apology, characterizing the incident as a “tragic accident.” He noted that Russian air defense efforts were active during a Ukrainian drone assault on the day of the crash, yet the Kremlin did not accept direct responsibility.

Reports from U.S. officials had earlier indicated that a Russian anti-aircraft system could have been involved in the incident, in light of ongoing exchanges of drone and rocket fire between Ukrainian and Russian forces in the area.

The Kremlin has initiated a criminal investigation into the crash. As the site of the incident falls within its borders, Kazakhstan is taking charge of the investigation. The nation, closely aligned with Russia, has refrained from explicitly blaming Moscow.

As the investigation unfolds, further insights may emerge, but the aviation community and the families of the victims are keenly awaiting clarity on this tragic event.

Source
www.yahoo.com