On 25 December 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190 aircraft, operating flight J28243, crashed near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan.
The scheduled flight, carrying 62 passengers and five crew members, was originally en route from Baku, Azerbaijan to Grozny, Russia.
Fatal Crash Near Aktau, Kazakhstan
The flight had diverted from its planned track to Grozny in southern Russia and took up a course across the Caspian Sea.
The aircraft, registered 4K-AZ65, was seen in a landing approach configuration and appeared to be struggling to maintain control during the attempted emergency landing at Aktau Airport, Kazakhstan.
Video footage of the crash shows the aircraft making a final approach at relatively high speed before impacting the ground. The Embraer E-190 impacted in a right-wing low attitude, in a relatively steep approach angle.
According to Kazakh authorities, 38 occupants of the flight lost their lives in the crash, with 29 survivors. The Kazakh Emergency Situations Ministry reported that “28 survivors including two children have been hospitalised”.
Flight Details
Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 departed Baku-Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) at 03:55 UTC, bound for Grozny Airport (GRV) in southern Russia.
Grozny Airport officials reported that the flight was unable to land due to poor visibility with dense fog conditions.
The flight subsequently attempted to divert to Makhachkala Uytash Airport (MCX).
Available flight data shows the flight diverted across the Caspian Sea, and flight crew transmitted emergency squawk code 7700. Fluctuations of both altitude and airspeed were then recorded as it approached Aktau.
Aircraft manufacturer Embraer released a brief statement following the tragedy. “We are deeply saddened by the occurrence with an Embraer 190 today near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones affected by this incident. We are closely monitoring the situation and we remain fully committed to supporting the relevant authorities.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Kazakhstani authorities. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the aircraft may have collided with a flock of birds before the crash.
Post-crash video footage of the broken tail section of the aircraft shows multiple small puncture holes in both the tailfin and horizontal stabilizer assemblies.
Authorities have confirmed the retrieval of the aircraft’s black boxes from the accident site.
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