Jet crash in Chechnya kills 38: what really happened?
- The Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed near Aqtau, Kazakhstan, after taking off from Baku on its way to Grozny, Chechnya.
- Survivors reported issues with GPS signals and an explosion before the crash, which suggests possible missile involvement.
- Experts are investigating the likelihood that a Russian military air-defense system was responsible for the incident.
In December 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 plane crashed near Aqtau, Kazakhstan, after departing from Baku on a flight to Grozny, Chechnya. The aircraft, carrying 62 passengers and five crew members, reportedly encountered GPS jamming and interference while approaching Grozny, leading to the pilots declaring an emergency. Reports emerged that the plane might have been struck by a missile during a period of heightened military activity in the region, particularly due to drone attacks allegedly targeting Chechnya. A surviving passenger recounted making multiple landing attempts before an explosion was heard shortly before the crash, further suggesting a missile impact. Initial investigations have indicated that damage to the tail of the aircraft aligns with characteristics of shrapnel from a surface-to-air missile. No officials from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, or Russia have confirmed these allegations, but several aviation security experts have stated that it is likely the plane was downed by a Russian air-defense system, marking a troubling incident amid ongoing tensions linked to the conflict in Ukraine. This event echoes previous incidents where civilian aircraft have been inadvertently shot down in conflict zones, raising concerns about air travel safety in regions with active military operations.