Wed Dec 25 09:24:58 UTC 2024: ## Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crashes in Kazakhstan, Leaving Multiple Casualties
**Aktau, Kazakhstan – December 25, 2024** – An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, this morning, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. The aircraft, flight J2-8243, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Chechnya, but diverted due to fog in Grozny.
The plane, carrying 67 people (62 passengers and 5 crew members), reportedly requested an emergency landing before crashing into an open field and bursting into flames. Videos circulating on social media show the aircraft rapidly losing altitude and banking sharply before impact.
According to the Kazakh Emergencies Ministry, 28 passengers survived the crash, with 22 requiring hospitalization. The nationalities of the passengers included 37 Azerbaijanis, 6 Kazakhs, 3 Kyrgyz citizens, and 16 Russians.
Preliminary reports suggest the crash may have been caused by a combination of factors, including a possible bird strike, a steering malfunction, and strong GPS jamming, which affected the accuracy of the ADS-B data transmitted by the aircraft. FlightRadar24 data indicates the aircraft struggled to maintain altitude for over an hour before the crash. The pilots reportedly attempted to regain altitude and speed until the very end, but ultimately lost control.
The Kazakh and Azerbaijani transport ministries are investigating the incident. Azerbaijan Airlines has confirmed the emergency landing attempt and stated that further information will be released as it becomes available. Ambulances responded to the crash site, and rescue efforts were underway. The aircraft’s registration number, 4K-AZ65, has been confirmed.
First Piper 