BREAKING: Azerbaijan Airlines flight traveling from Baku to Grozny crashes in Aktau, Kazakhstan, after reportedly requesting an emergency landing pic.twitter.com/hB5toqEFe2
— RT (@RT_com) December 25, 2024
Azerbaijan Airlines
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On December 25, 2024, a passenger plane operated by Azerbaijan Airlines burst into flames after crashing near Aktau city in Kazakhstan. The incident has left 28 people injured, with six more reported missing.
Crash Details and Preliminary Information
According to the Kazakh Emergencies Ministry, the Embraer 190 plane was en route from Azerbaijan’s capital Baku to Grzony in Russia’s Chechnya. However, due to fog in Grozny, the flight was rerouted near Aktau city in Kazakhstan. The aircraft was carrying 62 passengers and five crew members.
Preliminary information suggests that there are 28 survivors of the crash, with 22 having been hospitalised. “According to preliminary information, there are 28 survivors of whom 22 have been hospitalized,” said the ministry on Telegram.
Cause of the Crash
The Kazakh transport ministry revealed that among the passengers, 37 were from Azerbaijan, six from Kazakhstan, three from Kyrgyzstan and 16 from Russia. The plane transmitted a distress signal before the crash due to a collision with a flock of birds and a steering malfunction.
A video showed the aircraft rapidly losing altitude and started banking to its right. It crashed into an open field and burst into flames. Another video showed the aircraft trying to gain altitude, but it rapidly ascends but starts stalling. Later, the pilot tries to control the aircraft to gain height.
Flight Data and GPS Jamming
Data from FlightRadar24 showed that the aircraft flying over the Caspian Sea and heading towards its destination in Chechnya was exposed to “strong GPS jamming.” The strong GPS jamming made the aircraft transmit bad ADS-B data, which contributed to the crash.
ADS-B Technology Explained
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is an advanced surveillance technology that combines an aircraft’s positioning source, aircraft avionics, and ground infrastructure to create an accurate surveillance interface between aircraft and Air Traffic Control. However, in this case, the plane was exposed to strong GPS jamming which made the aircraft transmit bad ADS-B data.
Pilot Attempts to Regain Altitude
The pilot tried to gain speed and altitude until the very end but the controls completely failed. The aircraft took several circles near Aktau Airport before requesting an emergency landing. However, it stalled and crashed near the airport.
Casualty Response and Rescue Efforts
Visuals showed ambulances at the crash site, and some people were being rescued and deboarding from the emergency exit located at the rear end of the aircraft. The authorities are providing assistance to the injured passengers.
Airline Statement and Further Information
The Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, flight numbered J2-8243 on the Baku-Grozny route, made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers near the city of Aktau. Additional information regarding the incident will be provided to the public, according to the airline.
Conclusion
The Kazakhstan crash is a tragic reminder of the importance of air safety and the need for advanced surveillance technology like ADS-B. The strong GPS jamming that affected the aircraft’s navigation system highlights the potential risks associated with this technology. As the investigation into the crash continues, it is essential to understand the factors that contributed to this incident.
In conclusion, the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashing in Kazakhstan has left 28 people injured and six missing. The cause of the crash was a combination of factors, including a collision with birds and GPS jamming. The incident highlights the importance of air safety and the need for advanced surveillance technology like ADS-B.
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