A serious accident shook international aviation last Wednesday. An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed during an emergency landing in Kazakhstan. Of the 67 passengers, 29 survived, while 38 people lost their lives. Initial investigation results point to "physical and technical external influences", which raises suspicions that the plane may have been shot down by a missile or other violent influence.
The Embraer 190 aircraft was en route from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in the Russian republic of Chechnya. Due to unsafe conditions in Grozny, triggered by military tensions, the aircraft deviated from its planned route and attempted an emergency landing in Aktau, Kazakhstan, on the Caspian Sea. The landing failed and the aircraft crashed on the ground.
First clues: external influences
According to the airline and various media reports, external factors may have been responsible for the crash. Azerbaijani government circles are discussing the possibility that a Russian surface-to-air missile could have hit the plane. The United States has also not ruled out the possibility that it could have been a misfire by Russian air defenses. This is based on the increased military activity in the region, which has been amplified by Ukrainian combat drone attacks.
The Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia said the situation in Grozny was "very complicated" at the time of the crash. According to the report, Ukrainian drones were carrying out attacks on civilian infrastructure in the Grozny and Vladikavkaz regions. Dmitry Yadrov, head of the authority, stressed, however, that thick fog could also have played a role.
Emergency landing fails, survivors fight for their lives
Eyewitnesses report that the pilot made several unsuccessful attempts to land in Grozny before setting course for Kazakhstan. There the plane failed in an emergency landing and crashed. According to the Foreign Office, two survivors of the crash live in Germany.
"It is crucial that the cause of the crash is now determined quickly and impartially," said a ministry spokesman. The injured, many of whom are in critical condition, are currently being treated in local hospitals.
Investigations in full swing
The two flight recorders of the Embraer 190 were recovered at the crash site in Kazakhstan. Their analysis could provide crucial clues as to the cause. The investigation is being conducted jointly by Azerbaijani, Kazakh and Russian authorities. However, it remains unclear whether the political tensions in the region could hinder the investigation.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan Airlines has temporarily suspended flights to seven Russian cities, including Grozny. Other airlines such as Qazaq Air and El Al have also announced that they will limit their connections to Russia.
A tragedy with far-reaching consequences
The crash could have serious consequences for international air traffic, especially in regions with military conflicts. The possibility of an accidental downing by an anti-aircraft missile raises renewed questions about the safety of civil air traffic in crisis areas.
Relatives of the victims have now received psychological support. The governments of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have declared national days of mourning to commemorate the deceased. The world is now awaiting the results of the investigation, which will hopefully shed light on this tragic event.