A passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines crashed during an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan, yesterday. According to preliminary data, the plane deviated from its route due to fog and sent an emergency signal over the Caspian Sea. A comprehensive investigation was launched after the accident.
FIRST IT WAS CALLED A FLOCK OF BIRD…
According to initial findings, the plane decided to make an emergency landing after hitting a flock of birds. According to the information provided by Kazakh authorities, 38 people died in the accident and 29 people survived. The holes seen on the exterior and interior of the plane in the images taken from the wreckage of the plane and shared on social media raised speculations that fire was opened on the plane. Ukraine claimed that the plane may have been shot down by Russian air defense systems.
THEY HEARD A CRASHING SOUND
Another claim is that the plane may have been shot down by a Russian surface-to-air missile (SAM). It is claimed that the holes in the outer body of the plane may belong to shrapnel fragments spread as a result of the explosion of the missile. Euronews also reported on this claim and included the statements of Russian military blogger Yuriy Podolyaka on his Telegram channel. Podolyaka said, “The damage sustained by the Azerbaijani Embraer 190 type plane, which crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan and killed 33 people, suggests that the plane may have been accidentally shot down by the air defense missile system.” he said. In addition, passengers who survived the accident stated that they heard a “crashing” sound while the plane was making its third attempt to land at Grozny Airport.
BLACK BOX FOUND
In the images taken from inside the plane at the time of the accident, it can be seen that a passenger was injured in his foot, there were cracks in the fuselage, and small pieces were scattered on the ground. The plane’s black box was also found and Azerbaijani authorities launched an in-depth investigation into the incident. Videos of the accident provide important clues.
HOLES AND OTHER DAMAGES ARE REVEALED ON THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE AIRPLANE
Additionally, Ankara University SBF Faculty Member Dr. Orhan Gafarlı drew attention to an interesting information in his post. Gafarlı said, “It has been confirmed that a drone attack was carried out by Ukraine when the Azerbaijan Airlines plane, which crashed in Aktau, was trying to land at Grozny Airport and Russia’s air defense system was activated.” he said. Gafarlı also stated that photographs of holes and other damages on the aircraft’s exterior were leaked to the press.
Such claims reminded us of the Malaysia Airlines plane that was shot down by a Russian missile in 2014. At that time, it was announced that the accident, which killed 283 passengers and 15 crew, was caused by a missile fired by pro-Russian separatists.