The results of the preliminary investigation into the crash of the AZAL plane were announced

^{Photo: Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan}
The Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan has published a report containing the preliminary results of the investigation into the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane that crashed near Aktau on December 25.

The information provided in this report is preliminary and may be supplemented based on the results of the study and examination of all materials. After the work is completed, a final report will be prepared based on the results of the investigation into the aviation accident, the document states.

In addition, the report notes that the commission continues to conduct a detailed examination of damage to the aircraft structures.

The crew experienced initial problems at 05:13:31, when the aircraft was hit, after which an audible signal was activated indicating that the autopilot had been disabled.

The pressure in the 3rd hydraulic system dropped sharply in a short time. The fluid level in the 3rd hydraulic system dropped to 0%. The position of the control rudders (ELEVATOR, AILERON, RUDDER) was frozen at zero and remained in this position until the end of the flight.

At 05:13:56, the second hit was recorded. The commander contacted the crew:
- Hello, what happened?
- Two seats exploded, I can't get close, because the passengers got up from their seats, I'm putting them back in their seats.

The pilots think the second hit is a bird strike.

The crew reports that they are losing control during communication with Grozny. The pilot then asks Makhachkala for weather, after which they decide to return to Baku.

At 05:26:58, communication with Grozny is stopped. At 05:29:24, contact is established with the Rostov tower.

Since the weather is good, it is decided to fly to Aktau at 05:42:40. At 06:02:47, the aircraft crew contacted the Aktau airport tower and sent the first international distress signal.

At 06:22:24, the crew began lowering the landing gear. After that, the mechanization was activated, and then an audible warning signal sounded.

At 06:27:58, it was noted that the aircraft hit the ground with a bank of 35 degrees to the right.

As a result of the initial examination of the surviving parts, numerous punctured and non-punctured damages of various sizes and shapes were detected in the tail section of the fuselage, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, elevators and rudders. Similar damages were also observed on the left engine and left wing of the aircraft, as well as on the aircraft's units and parts. In some places, the damages have a rectangular shape.

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Aktuv plane crash

On December 25, 2024, an Embraer aircraft belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) crashed three kilometers from Aktau airport. The plane, flying on a Baku-Grozny flight, crashed while attempting an emergency landing. There were 62 passengers and 5 crew members on board.

Investigation and speculation

Kazakhstan is leading the investigation into the crash in accordance with the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Convention. Azerbaijani, Russian specialists, international experts and representatives of Embraer are participating in the investigation. The black boxes have been retrieved and are being decoded with the participation of international experts.

Azerbaijani media, as well as Euronews and Reuters, published materials discussing the speculation that one of the causes of the crash was the operation of Russian air defense systems.

On December 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized for the tragic incident in Russian airspace, once again expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

On December 29, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that an Azerbaijani civilian plane had come under external attack on Russian territory, near Grozny, and had almost lost control. According to him, the plane was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare.

According to the Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations, there were 62 passengers and 5 crew members on board:

- 42 Azerbaijani citizens;
- 16 Russian citizens;
- 6 Kazakh citizens;
- 3 Kyrgyz citizens.

Among the survivors are citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia and Kyrgyzstan. There are no Kazakhs among the survivors. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”