Four sources have confirmed that a Russian surface-to-air missile caused the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 on December 18, 2024, according to a report from Reuters. The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190 crash was a tragic incident that occurred mid-flight over Grozny, Chechnya, during drone operations in the area, resulting in shrapnel damage to the aircraft and the loss of lives.
Flight 8432 encountered disaster when shrapnel from a Russian missile struck the aircraft while it was flying over Chechnya. The missile, fired from a Pantsir-S air defense system, exploded near the plane, causing extensive damage to its structure and injuring passengers and crew.
Reports from Azerbaijani government sources revealed that the missile was fired during active Russian efforts to counter Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The incident occurred amidst intense air defense operations. Consequently, the Azerbaijan Airlines crash has been closely scrutinized.
Baku-based international outlet AnewZ confirmed the origin of the missile, citing Azerbaijani officials about the crash.
Concerns Over Emergency Response
Investigators are looking into why the aircraft was denied authorization to land at a nearby Russian airport after sustaining critical damage. Instead, the flight was instructed to continue over the Caspian Sea, worsening the emergency and ultimately leading to the Azerbaijan Airlines crash near Aktau.
Authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding the missile’s launch and the operational decisions taken by air traffic control during the flight. The focus remains on the Azerbaijan Airlines E190 crash investigation.
This tragedy has raised serious questions about regional air safety and emergency protocols. Azerbaijani officials, alongside international aviation and defense experts, continue to investigate the crash to determine accountability and prevent future occurrences.
As more details emerge, the investigation is expected to address the broader implications of this catastrophic event and provide clarity on the series of decisions that led to this Azerbaijan Airlines crash.