The Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan has issued its preliminary report of the investigation into the fatal crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer aircraft.
Flight J28243 crashed with the loss of 38 lives near Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan on 24 December 2024.
The preliminary report finds the aircraft was serviceable before the flight. It notably reports that the aircraft had suffered damage from external ‘foreign objects’ prior to the crash.
Azerbaijan Airlines J28243 Preliminary Findings
This analysis examines the key findings of the report, focusing on the information relevant to understanding the sequence of events leading to the crash.

Aircraft Airworthiness and Initial Flight Conditions
The report unequivocally states that the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190-100 IGW, registered as 4K-AZ65, was airworthy at the start of its flight from Baku to Grozny. Data from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) confirms the proper functioning of the aircraft’s flight control systems.
Furthermore, both engines operated normally until the point of the accident, as evidenced by FDR records. This eliminates mechanical failure as an initial contributing factor.
Navigational Issues and Weather Conditions
The aircraft encountered issues with its GPS signal, losing reception in Russian airspace and over Grozny Airport. This loss of navigational capability, combined with adverse weather conditions, forced the pilots to abort two landing attempts in Grozny. The decision to return to Baku suggests a developing awareness of escalating risks.


External Object Damage and Hydraulic System Failure
A critical finding of the Azerbaijan Airlines preliminary report is the discovery of damage to the aircraft’s fuselage caused by external “foreign objects.” This damage was widespread, particularly in the aft section of the aircraft, including the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, as well as the left wing and left engine.
The report explicitly states that no evidence of a bird strike was found. Photographs of these foreign objects have been released, and further expert analysis is underway to determine their exact nature and origin.


Crucially, the CVR recorded two distinct external noises over Grozny, separated by 24 seconds. Shortly after these noises, the aircraft experienced a cascading failure of its hydraulic systems.
Within seconds of the first noise, the third hydraulic system failed, followed by the first system six seconds later, and the second system 21 seconds after that.
This sequence strongly suggests a direct link between the external object damage and the subsequent hydraulic failures. The loss of all three hydraulic systems would severely impair the pilots’ ability to control the aircraft.

Loss of Flight Controls
The report indicates that the aircraft lost primary flight controls at 05:13:32. A short time later, at 05:21:42, the coordinating air traffic controller informed Grozny ATC about a “Kovyor” special operation.
While the report doesn’t explain the nature of this operation, it likely refers to a pre-planned emergency response protocol. This timeline underscores the rapid deterioration of the situation following the hydraulic failures.
The preliminary report makes a specific point of noting that there is no information suggesting an explosion of oxygen cylinders. This suggests that investigators have considered this possibility and, at this stage, have found no evidence to support it.
Conclusion
The preliminary report into the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 suggests a flight that encountered a catastrophic sequence of events. While the aircraft was initially airworthy, damage from external foreign objects, the nature of which is still under investigation, appears to be the critical trigger.
This damage likely led to the cascading hydraulic system failures, ultimately resulting in the loss of flight control.
The loss of GPS signal and adverse weather conditions in Grozny further compounded the challenges faced by the flight crew.
The ongoing investigation, including expert analysis of the recovered foreign objects, will be crucial in determining the precise cause of this tragic accident and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
The report also acknowledges the bravery and professionalism of the pilots and attendants, whose efforts allowed 29 passengers to survive the crash.

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