Wholes on the plane

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Russian Air Defence & the Flight 8243

REPORTS - منذ 19 ساعة

With 38 Fatalities | What behind?

South Eye | Report

On December 25, 2024, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, an Embraer E190, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities and 29 survivors. The flight, originating from Baku and destined for Grozny, was diverted due to adverse weather conditions. Emerging evidence suggests that the aircraft may have been inadvertently downed by a Russian air defense missile.

Preliminary investigations indicate that as the plane approached Grozny, it encountered significant GPS interference, leading to erratic flight data. Surviving passengers reported hearing an explosion and experiencing shrapnel damage while still airborne. Experts, including military analyst Yan Matveyev, hypothesize that Russian anti-aircraft systems, possibly the Pantsir-S1, may have mistaken the civilian aircraft for a hostile target amid ongoing regional tensions.

The aircraft's wreckage revealed extensive shrapnel damage, particularly on the vertical stabilizer and wings, consistent with a proximity explosion from an air defense missile. This pattern of damage challenges initial theories of a bird strike, as noted by aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia, who stated that such damage is inconsistent with bird strikes.

The incident occurred during a period of heightened military activity, with reports of Ukrainian drone attacks on Grozny. Russian air defense systems were reportedly active in the area, potentially leading to the tragic misidentification. Azerbaijani government sources have suggested that a Russian surface-to-air missile, specifically a Pantsir-S1, detonated near the aircraft, causing the catastrophic damage.

Both Azerbaijani and Russian authorities have expressed condolences and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. Kazakh officials have secured the flight data recorders, and international aviation bodies, including Embraer and Brazil's CENIPA, are participating in the inquiry. The Kremlin has denied any involvement, urging against premature conclusions.

This tragedy underscores the complexities and risks associated with operating civilian flights in regions experiencing military conflicts. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced coordination between civil aviation authorities and military defense systems to prevent such occurrences in the future.

المراجع

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 Crash Investigation

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AP News

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The Scottish Sun

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