The crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane near Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan has become one of the top news stories of recent days. This event has shaken the international community, and we will now delve into the main aspects of this tragedy: its causes, the timeline of events, consequences, and the current state of the investigation.
Causes of the Crash
According to preliminary information, the plane flying the Baku–Grozny route collided with birds, which became the primary cause of the emergency situation. The crew reported the issue and attempted an emergency landing. A complicating factor was dense fog, which forced the plane to be diverted to Aktau after an unsuccessful landing attempt in Makhachkala. The interaction of technical issues and weather conditions likely led to this tragic event.
Timeline of Events
- Morning of December 25: The plane departed from Baku to Grozny as scheduled.
- 11:20: Initial reports emerged of a request for an emergency landing due to dense fog. The plane was first diverted to Makhachkala and then to Aktau.
- Before the crash: The crew declared an emergency after colliding with birds.
- The moment of the crash: The plane crashed near Aktau Airport. There were 69 people on board, including five crew members.
The times are given in the local standard.
Consequences of the Tragedy
- Number of survivors: Out of 69 people, 32 were rescued. Among them were 14 citizens of Azerbaijan, 10 of Russia, and 2 of Kyrgyzstan. The citizenship of three other survivors is yet to be identified.
- Fatalities: Both pilots died. Other details about the victims are being clarified.
- Government response: The General Prosecutor’s Office of Kazakhstan has established a special investigative group to determine the causes of the crash.
The death toll is subject to change, and further casualties are possible.
Current State of the Investigation
Experts are continuing to examine the circumstances of the tragedy. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health reports that most of the survivors in hospitals are in stable condition. The General Prosecutor’s Office and aviation authorities are analyzing the “black boxes,” which could shed light on the final moments of the flight.
International Reaction
The crash has drawn significant international attention. The governments of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and other countries have expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Aviation experts are calling for enhanced safety measures, particularly to address the risks of bird strikes.
Conclusion
The tragedy of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for swift responses to emergencies. The ongoing investigation will reveal lessons to be learned to help prevent such catastrophes in the future.
