Aviation Disaster in AZAL Flight: Authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia Initiate United Inquiry into Plane Crash Incident
The joint investigation into the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Flight 8243 near Aktau, Kazakhstan, is currently underway, with Kazakhstan leading the effort as a neutral party. The incident occurred on December 25, 2024, claiming the lives of 38 people and injuring 29, as reported by Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General, Kamran Aliyev.
The crash occurred approximately three kilometers from the Aktau airport when a foreign object penetrated the aircraft fuselage, resulting in hydraulic failure during an attempted emergency landing. The plane subsequently crashed, causing a significant loss of life.
Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister, Kanat Bozumbayev, has emphasized the importance of technical and forensic assessments in the investigation, noting the involvement of international experts and the return of examined equipment for final analysis.
Preliminary assessments suggest the plane was likely hit by a Russian Pantsir missile, although Russia denies involvement. The crash site was secured promptly by Kazakh authorities, facilitating a transparent investigation that allowed for rapid recovery of black boxes sent to the manufacturer for analysis.
The investigation involves requests for information from various countries whose weapons might match the damaging debris found on the plane. While Azerbaijan publicly accuses Russia of being responsible and seeking compensation through international legal channels, Kazakhstan has not made official accusations against any country.
The cooperative investigation between Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, and international experts seeks to clarify the incident’s technical causes and produce a comprehensive final report expected in late 2025. The investigation is being carried out according to the responsibilities of each relevant state structure, as stated earlier.
In related news, by the order of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, all relevant state structures have been mobilized in connection with the investigation of the AZAL plane crash near Aktau. Kamran Aliyev, the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, has been closely involved in the investigation, as reported by Trend.
[1] Kazinform. (2025). Joint investigation into AZAL crash continues. Retrieved from https://www.kazinform.kz/2025/01/20/joint-investigation-into-azal-crash-continues
[2] Trend. (2025). Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev: AZAL plane crash occurred on December 25. Retrieved from https://trend.az/prosecutor-general-kamran-aliyev-azal-plane-crash-occurred-on-december-25/
[3] Sputnik Kazakhstan. (2025). Joint investigation into AZAL crash continues under Kazakh leadership. Retrieved from https://kaz.sputnik.kz/2025/01/20/joint-investigation-into-azal-crash-continues-under-kazakh-leadership-2083885746.html
[4] Eurasianet. (2025). Azerbaijan accuses Russia of shooting down AZAL plane, seeks compensation. Retrieved from https://eurasianet.org/azerbaijan-accuses-russia-of-shooting-down-azal-plane-seeks-compensation
- The joint investigation, involving Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, and international experts, delves into not only the technical causes of the AZAL flight crash near Aktau, but also extends to general-news topics such as political implications and potential legal proceedings, given Azerbaijan's accusations against Russia and pursuit of compensation.
- In addition to the focus on crime-and-justice aspects like the investigation of the AZAL crash, there is also a need for accident investigation agencies to assess the foreign object that penetrated the aircraft fuselage, as the incident may have had wider ramifications for aviation safety beyond this specific event.
