Passengers recount loud bangs on Azerbaijani plane: What happened?
BAKU, Azerbaijan – The tragic crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer plane in Kazakhstan near the city of Aktau has left 38 people dead and 29 survivors. The flight, J2-8243, was en route to Grozny, Russia, when it crashed in a ball of fire. The passengers and crew on board recounted harrowing experiences, with two passengers and a crew member describing hearing loud bangs as the plane approached its destination.
First-Hand Accounts
Subhonkul Rakhimov, one of the passengers, shared his experience from a hospital bed, expressing his initial fear and preparing for the worst after hearing the bang. The sense of impending doom was palpable as he described the damaged state of the aircraft post-bang. Vafa Shabanova, another passenger, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting her fear and the subsequent instructions from the flight attendant to move to the back of the plane.
Oxygen Level Concerns
Both passengers noted concerns about oxygen levels in the cabin following the loud bang. Flight attendant Zulfugar Asadov detailed the sequence of events leading up to the crash, mentioning that the pilot’s decision to divert due to fog resulted in a series of bangs outside the aircraft, causing panic among passengers.
Azerbaijan Airlines’ Response
Azerbaijan Airlines suspended flights to Russian cities and attributed the crash to “physical and technical external interference.” However, sources familiar with the preliminary findings of Azerbaijan’s investigation suggested that Russian air defenses may have mistakenly shot down the plane, further complicating the narrative.
Insight Into the Disaster
The crash landing in Kazakhstan raised questions about the factors contributing to the tragedy, including the proximity to conflict zones and ongoing drone warfare. The incident underscores the inherent risks in civil aviation, especially in conflict-prone regions where air defense activities are prevalent.
Expert Analysis
Andrew Nicholson, CEO of Osprey Flight Solutions, emphasized the heightened risks associated with civilian aircraft operating in conflict zones, particularly during drone warfare and air defense operations. The incident near Grozny, a known target for Ukrainian drones, highlights the complex challenges faced by airlines navigating geopolitically sensitive airspace.
Official Investigations
Amid speculation about the cause of the crash, Russian aviation authorities have pledged support for comprehensive investigations by Kazakh and Azerbaijani authorities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refrained from making assessments until the official investigation concludes, underscoring the need for a thorough examination of the events leading to the tragic crash.