Russian air defence likely behind Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash that killed 38 people, military experts say
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Russia has downplayed speculation that its military was behind the Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan. The deadly Christmas Day crash of an Azerbaijani plane in Kazakhstan was likely caused by a Russian air defence system, military and aviation experts have said.
![[Emergency services arrive at Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash wreckage site.]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/26/13/p4pVK3p7-720.jpg)
It comes after sources close to Azerbaijan’s investigation into the incident said fire from a Russian Pantsir-S air-defence system was believed to be behind the devastating crash, in which 38 people were killed and 29 injured. But Moscow has downplayed the accusations, saying it is wrong to speculate on “hypotheses” before the outcome of a full investigation.
![[A Russian Pantsir-S air-defense system, which a preliminary investigations show may have shot down the Azerbaijani Airlines flight]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/27/10/iStock-628147632.jpg)
Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 was scheduled to land in the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus on Wednesday after taking off from Baku - before it was diverted for reasons which have not yet been confirmed. The plane exploded in a fireball after crashing into the ground just three kilometres (two miles) from Aktau, Kazakhstan, where it had hoped to land after flying east across the Caspian Sea. Mobile phone footage appears to show the aircraft’s steep descent before hitting the ground.
![[Fatal flightpath: The course of Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243 on 25 December 2024]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/26/11/newFile.jpg)
Preliminary investigations in Azerbaijan have found Russian air defences were responsible for the crash, four sources told Reuters. The plane’s communications had been cut off by electronic warfare systems on its approach to Grozny, the source added.
![[Rescuers work at the wreckage of Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 near the airport of Aktau]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/26/09/Azerbaijan_Airliner_Crash_10041.jpg)
