An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer ERJ-190AR, operating as flight J28243, tragically crashed near Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan early Wednesday morning, December 25, 2024. The flight had declared an emergency prior to the crash. Conflicting reports regarding the number of people on board indicate that there were 67 occupants, including five crew members and 62 passengers.
What Caused the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J28243 Disaster? See details: Link
Timeline of Events
Flight J28243 departed from Baku International Airport (GYD) in Azerbaijan at 03:55 UTC, bound for Grozny Airport (GRV) in Russia. However, poor weather conditions at GRV, including an overcast cloud deck at 800 feet and visibility reduced to 3,500 meters due to fog, prevented the flight from landing. The crew subsequently attempted to divert to Makhachkala Uytash Airport (MCX), where weather conditions were also challenging, with visibility decreasing from 6,000 to 3,600 meters and an overcast cloud deck at 2,400 feet between 05:00 and 06:00 UTC.
By 06:07 UTC, the flight reappeared on Flightradar24 ADS-B data over the Caspian Sea, squawking 7700 to signal an emergency. Altitude and speed data fluctuated significantly as the aircraft headed for Aktau Airport. Preliminary reports suggest the crew reported difficulties controlling the aircraft, and local media speculated that a bird strike may have contributed to the emergency.
Crash Details
As the aircraft approached Aktau Airport, flight-tracking data showed it making erratic figure-eight maneuvers. The plane ultimately crashed approximately 3 kilometers from the airport. Video footage captured the aircraft colliding with the terrain in a right-wing-low, nose-down attitude. The aircraft broke apart upon impact, and a fire erupted, consuming much of the main cabin area. The tail section, which came to rest upside down away from the main wreckage, appeared free of fire damage.
Reports are coming in of an accident at Aktau Airport, Kazakhstan involving an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer ERJ-190. pic.twitter.com/X42mS3sSsO
— Aviation Safety Network (ASN) (@AviationSafety) December 25, 2024
Casualties and Survivors
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergencies initially reported 25 survivors but revised the figure multiple times, eventually stating that 32 of the 67 people on board survived. Reports confirm four fatalities, although the number of deceased is likely higher. Of the survivors, 29 were transported to hospitals.
Passenger Nationalities
Azerbaijan Airlines reported that the passengers included 37 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhstani, and three Kyrgyzstani nationals.
Investigation and Response
More than 50 first responders and 11 equipment units from Kazakhstan’s emergency ministry were deployed to the crash site to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. Azerbaijan’s state news agency, Azertac, reported that an official delegation comprising the country’s emergencies minister, the deputy general prosecutor, and the vice president of Azerbaijan Airlines traveled to Aktau to oversee the investigation. Azerbaijan Airlines changed its social media banners to solid black as a gesture of mourning.
FlightRadar24 noted strong GPS jamming in the area, which caused the aircraft to transmit inaccurate ADS-B data. The airline stated that it would provide updates as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, Embraer, the aircraft manufacturer, has not yet commented on the incident.
