Azerbaijan Airlines announced on Friday that the passenger jet involved in the tragic crash in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day was subjected to what they described as 'physical and technical external interference' based on preliminary investigations. The crash resulted in the loss of at least 38 lives out of the 67 individuals on board, including two pilots and a flight attendant, as confirmed by Kazakh authorities.
According to a US official, initial findings suggest that a Russian anti-aircraft system may have been responsible for downing the passenger jet. Reuters also reported, citing sources in Azerbaijan familiar with the investigation, that the plane was brought down by a Russian air defense system.
Russia stated that the passenger jet was redirected from its intended destination in Grozny, Chechnya due to the presence of Ukrainian drones in the area and adverse weather conditions, specifically fog. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, mentioned that Ukrainian combat drones were allegedly conducting attacks on civilian infrastructure in Grozny and Vladikavkaz, leading to the closure of the airspace.
The pilot of flight J2-8243 made two unsuccessful landing attempts in Grozny before being offered alternative landing sites. Despite the options provided, the pilot opted to head towards Aktau airport in Kazakhstan due to the challenging conditions at the Grozny airport, including dense fog.
In response to Russian claims, Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russian media of spreading misinformation about the crash and alleged that Moscow compelled the damaged aircraft to cross the sea, potentially to conceal evidence. Sybiha called for a thorough and unbiased investigation to ensure accountability for those responsible.
Russian state media had previously cited heavy fog in Grozny as the reason for rerouting the plane. The Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia had also indicated that the crash occurred following a bird strike.
