Investigating the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 Crash in Kazakhstan
On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Embraer 190 aircraft tragically crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan.
The plane was en route from Baku to Grozny, but it never made it to its destination. Tragically, out of the 67 people on board, 38 lost their lives.
As the investigation continues, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport has released a preliminary report, shedding light on the early findings.
Key Findings from the Preliminary Investigation
The 53-page report, made public through Tengrinews.kz’s Telegram channel, contains crucial information from the investigation, although it doesn’t assign fault at this stage.
It highlights that external objects seemed to have caused significant damage to the aircraft’s structure.
Experts found several punctures and other varying types of damage to the tail section, stabilizers, wings, and engine.
These were discovered through analysis of the aircraft’s flight recorders, recovered from the crash site.
Some of the damage even had distinct rectangular shapes.
The report also shares that the aircraft experienced two impacts in quick succession at 05:13.
After the first impact, the autopilot disengaged, leading to a fluid pressure drop in one of the aircraft’s hydraulic systems.
Initially, the crew suspected they had struck birds, but one flight attendant reported explosions in the cabin.
Crew’s Decision-Making During the Emergency
The crew had a series of critical decisions to make in the midst of the crisis.
They informed air traffic controllers in Grozny about losing control of the aircraft.
After communication with Grozny’s air traffic control, the crew decided to divert to Aktau, Kazakhstan, as weather conditions in other areas were not favorable.
By 06:02, the crew declared an international distress signal, and just 25 minutes later, at 06:27, the aircraft crashed into the ground.
What We Know About the Aircraft
The Embraer 190, part of the E-Jet family, is a twin-engine jet airliner designed for short- to medium-range flights.
Produced by Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, these planes can carry between 66 and 124 passengers.
The E-Jets were introduced in 1999 and aimed to compete in the regional aircraft market, complementing the company’s earlier ERJ family of regional jets.
What’s Next for the Investigation?
Although the preliminary report has provided some insight into the crash, the investigation is far from over.
The authorities are continuing to examine the causes of the crash, and further research will be needed to determine the exact nature of the damage and whether any external factors, such as foreign objects, played a role.
The final investigation will hopefully clarify all the questions surrounding this tragic incident.
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