Azerbaijani passenger aircraft crash in Kazakhstan raises suspicions of possible Russian military involvement. Investigations suggest that a misfire from Russian air defenses may have mistakenly targeted the Embraer 190, which was en route from Baku to Grozny. While the Azerbaijani government has not confirmed any Russian fire, initial evidence and expert opinions indicate missile impacts. As investigations continue, concerns about air safety have led to flight suspensions, particularly over conflict zones.
Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Kazakhstan Plane Crash
The tragic crash of an Azerbaijani passenger aircraft in Kazakhstan has left many questions unanswered regarding its cause. Recent speculations in the USA and Germany suggest that the plane may have inadvertently been targeted by the Russian Air Force.
Investigations Point to Possible Russian Involvement
Two days after the unfortunate incident near Aktau, uncertainty continues to shroud the events leading up to the crash. Reports from prominent news outlets, including CNN and ABC News, indicate that U.S. government sources are considering the possibility of a misfire from the Russian air defense system as a contributing factor. Initial evidence appears to support this theory, hinting that inadequately trained Russian forces may have mistaken the aircraft for a threat amidst ongoing Ukrainian drone assaults.
The Embraer 190, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, had taken off from Baku and was en route to Grozny, situated in the Russian Caucasus Republic of Chechnya. On the day of the crash, Russian air defenses were reportedly active in several areas of the North Caucasus to counter potential Ukrainian drone incursions.
Online speculation from Russian military expert Yuri Podolyaka suggested that damage observed on the aircraft resembled the effects of an air defense missile system. Additionally, Bernard Legauffre, a former expert from France’s civil aviation safety authority, noted numerous shrapnel fragments at the crash site. Photographs of the aircraft’s tail appeared to show small perforations consistent with missile impacts.
The Azerbaijani media echoed these concerns, indicating that the aircraft might have been struck by the ‘Pantsir-S’ defense system while approaching Grozny, resulting in a total loss of communication.
Furthermore, a report from the portal caliber.az suggested that the pilots attempted to divert to nearby airports in Mineralnye Vody or Makhachkala for an emergency landing. However, they were denied permission, forcing them to redirect towards Aktau over the Caspian Sea. The Azerbaijani government has yet to confirm or deny the involvement of Russian fire in the tragedy.
As the situation unfolds, statements from Russian officials have been scarce. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, while President Vladimir Putin has remained silent on the matter. Russian media has similarly refrained from discussing the possibility that the national air force may have been at fault.
The devastating incident resulted in the loss of more than 30 lives, with only 29 of the 67 passengers surviving, some of whom sustained severe injuries.
Flight Suspensions and Ongoing Investigations
In response to the escalating concerns surrounding air safety, the chairman of Germany’s Defense Committee, Marcus Faber, has voiced suspicions regarding Russian air defense capabilities. He emphasized the need for thorough investigations into the crash and cautioned civilian airlines to steer clear of the conflict zone, particularly over Ukraine and Russia.
In light of the developments in Russian airspace, Israeli airline El Al has announced a suspension of all flights between Tel Aviv and Moscow until at least the end of the week. The airline plans to reassess the situation next week to determine whether to resume operations.
To shed light on the circumstances of the crash, investigators are focusing on data retrieved from the aircraft’s black box. Recovery teams successfully extracted the flight recorders from the wreckage, and their analysis, along with radio communications, is expected to provide crucial insights into the incident.