Moscow: External Interference Likely in Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash
Initial investigations into the Azerbaijan Airlines crash have suggested “external interference,” with Azerbaijan’s Transport Minister and the airline officials pointing to the possibility that the plane was hit by Russian air defense systems. The crash occurred near the Kazakh city of Aktau on December 26, killing 38 of the 67 people on board.
Sequence of Events
The jet was attempting to land in its destination, the Russian city of Grozny, before veering off course across the Caspian Sea toward Kazakhstan. Russia’s aviation chief stated that Ukrainian drones were attacking Grozny at the time the plane attempted to land, but the Kremlin declined to comment on whether the plane was accidentally shot down by Russian missiles.
Azerbaijan’s Investigation
Azerbaijan’s Transport Minister Rashad Nabiyev stated that initial findings pointed to “external interference,” adding that experts and eyewitness accounts suggested the plane was hit in mid-air. Survivors reported hearing “three explosions” while the plane was over Grozny.
Failed Landing Attempts
Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s civil aviation agency, mentioned that the pilot made two unsuccessful landing attempts at Grozny airport due to thick fog, after which the pilot decided to head toward Aktau airport.
Speculation and Claims
An Azerbaijan pro-government website suggested the plane was struck by a Russian Pantsir-S1 missile system. A Russian survivor described hearing an explosion outside the plane, with shrapnel piercing the fuselage.
Call for Apology
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev assured his Kazakh counterpart that the causes of the crash would be fully examined. Azerbaijani lawmaker Rasim Musabekov called for Russia to accept responsibility for the incident, punish those at fault, and compensate the victims’ families.
