The Christmas Day Tragedy: Unraveling the Mystery of the Azerbaijani Airliner Crash
On Christmas Day, an Azerbaijani passenger plane en route from Baku to Groznyj in Chechnya met a tragic end, crashing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The incident claimed the lives of at least 38 of the 62 passengers onboard, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and a burgeoning international investigation. Initial reports from the airline suggested a bird strike near Groznyj, forcing the aircraft to attempt an emergency landing in Aktau, across the Caspian Sea. However, this narrative quickly unraveled as suspicions mounted regarding the true cause of the crash.
The discovery of holes in the aircraft’s fuselage, indicative of external impact, raised serious concerns. Aviation expert Jan Ohlsson dismissed the bird strike theory, stating the damage was inconsistent with such an event. The nature of the holes, with metal bent inwards, pointed towards an external projectile. This observation fueled speculation that the aircraft may have been struck by a Russian missile, a theory that gained traction as the investigation progressed. The plane’s erratic flight path, captured on radar, further fueled the suspicions.
As the investigation unfolded, preliminary findings, reported by Euro News and Reuters, pointed towards Russian involvement in the incident. Four sources close to the investigation revealed to Reuters that the aircraft was likely hit by a surface-to-air missile over Groznyj amidst heightened drone activity in the area. The plane was subsequently denied landing permission at any Russian airport, forcing it to traverse the Caspian Sea towards Kazakhstan. This denial further intensified suspicions of a cover-up.
Mapping data vividly illustrates the aircraft’s sharp turn near Groznyj before its flight over the Caspian Sea. Upon reaching Aktau, the plane was observed circling before the eventual crash. Ohlsson’s analysis of the damage suggests a significant loss of hydraulic fluid, likely a consequence of the missile strike. This loss would have rendered the aircraft extremely difficult to control, explaining the erratic flight pattern and the pilot’s struggle to maintain stable flight. The blocked GPS system during the flight over the Caspian Sea adds another layer of complexity to the incident, suggesting deliberate interference.
The cumulative evidence paints a disturbing picture of a civilian airliner caught in the crossfire, possibly mistaken for a hostile drone or targeted deliberately. The denial of landing permission at Russian airports, coupled with the reported missile strike and GPS blockage, raises serious questions about Russia’s role in the tragedy and subsequent attempts to obfuscate the truth. The ongoing investigation promises to shed light on these critical aspects and hold those responsible accountable.
The Christmas Day crash serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of air travel and the devastating consequences of geopolitical tensions. The loss of life, the unanswered questions, and the potential for escalating international tensions underscore the urgency of a thorough and transparent investigation. The world awaits answers as investigators piece together the events that led to this tragic incident, seeking justice for the victims and their families. The truth, once revealed, will not only provide closure but also serve as a critical lesson in the importance of accountability and the pursuit of peace in an increasingly volatile world.
