Wed Dec 25 16:16:20 UTC 2024: ## Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crashes in Kazakhstan, Leaving 29 Survivors
**Aktau, Kazakhstan – December 25, 2024** – An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, this morning, resulting in a devastating fire. The flight, J2-8243, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Chechnya, but was diverted to Aktau due to fog in Grozny.
The aircraft, carrying 62 passengers and 5 crew members, experienced a reported malfunction and requested an emergency landing. Witnesses report seeing the plane rapidly lose altitude and bank sharply before crashing into an open field and erupting in flames. Videos circulating on social media show the aircraft struggling to maintain altitude for over an hour before the crash. FlightRadar24 data suggests the plane was also experiencing strong GPS jamming.
According to Kazakh authorities, 29 people survived the crash and were hospitalized. The nationalities of the passengers included 37 Azerbaijanis, six Kazakhs, three Kyrgyz, and 16 Russians. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest a possible bird strike and steering malfunction. The pilots reportedly attempted to regain control and altitude until the very end.
Azerbaijan Airlines has confirmed the incident and stated that further details will be released. Kazakh and Azerbaijani authorities are jointly investigating the crash, examining the wreckage and flight data recorders to determine the precise cause. This is a developing story.
First Piper 