The Crash at a Glance
An Azerbaijan Airlines flight carrying 67 people crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday. The crash claimed 38 lives, including both pilots, but 29 passengers survived the incident. Authorities are investigating the cause, with speculation surrounding adverse weather and potential external factors.
Pilots Hailed as Heroes
Samir Rzayev, president of Azerbaijan Airlines, commended the pilots for their actions during the crash.
"Their heroism will never be forgotten," Rzayev said.
The crew reportedly acted with extraordinary dedication, prioritizing passenger safety until the last moment.
Both pilots had over 15,000 flight hours, and the aircraft recently passed technical inspections.
Survival Amid Tragedy
The survival of nearly half the passengers is considered extraordinary. Data from previous crashes suggests that sitting in the rear of a plane may increase the chances of survival. However, experts emphasize that each crash scenario is unique.
Investigation Underway
The Embraer 190 jet was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when it diverted due to bad weather. Preliminary reports suggest a bird strike may have triggered the emergency, but other theories have emerged:
Speculation of External Interference: Aviation security firm Osprey Flight Solutions and some analysts suggest the aircraft may have been hit by a Russian air defense missile.
Unverified Claims: Ukrainian official Andriy Kovalenko alleged the plane was shot down by Russian forces, citing damage to the aircraft visible in crash footage.
Russian authorities have dismissed claims of involvement. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov urged against premature conclusions.
Black Box Recovered
The aircraft's black box has been retrieved and is under analysis in accordance with international standards. Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, which built the jet, is cooperating with the investigation.
Broader Context
This incident draws parallels to previous cases, such as Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014, where a Russian-made missile was found responsible. Although such conclusions remain speculative here, experts stress the need for a thorough investigation.
Looking Ahead
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed sorrow for the loss and acknowledged the need for patience until the investigation is complete. For now, the focus remains on determining the cause and honoring the courage of the flight's crew.
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