By John Q. Hosedrinker 
An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, flight 8432, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities out of 67 passengers and crew. Initial reports suggested a bird strike forced an emergency landing, but survivor accounts and investigative sources indicate a possible missile strike near Grozny, the intended destination. The plane’s erratic flight path, as shown by FlightRadar24 data, and potential GPS jamming further complicate the investigation. The nationalities of the passengers included a significant number of Azerbaijanis, as well as Russians, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz citizens.
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The Azerbaijan Airlines crash tragedy is increasingly pointing towards a Russian air missile accident as the probable cause. The damage to the aircraft’s tail section, consistent with shrapnel impact, strongly suggests it was struck by a missile. While the exact location of the strike is difficult to pinpoint due to inconsistencies in flight radar data, the available evidence points towards an incident near Grozny. The fact that the plane, despite significant damage, managed to continue its flight for some distance before crashing near Aktau airport, speaks volumes about the incredible skill of the pilots in attempting a desperate emergency landing.
This incident bears disturbing parallels to the downing of MH17, raising serious questions about Russia’s disregard for human life and a pattern of behavior that demands scrutiny. The assertion that the plane was mistaken for a Ukrainian aircraft or drone, leading to its destruction, is unsettling. Equally alarming is the suggestion that following the missile strike, any effort to facilitate an emergency landing was deliberately avoided, allegedly to hinder the potential discovery of evidence.
The lack of accountability and the predictable denial from Russian authorities further fuel suspicions. This is reminiscent of past incidents where evidence clearly points to Russian culpability, only to be dismissed with vague and unconvincing explanations. The current incident mirrors the Iranian downing of Ukrainian Flight 752, where initial claims of engine failure were ultimately contradicted by overwhelming evidence. The repeated use of the term “accident” to describe such incidents rings hollow in the face of compelling evidence to the contrary.
The pilots’ heroic efforts to maintain control of the severely damaged aircraft and attempt a landing deserve recognition. Their actions, mirroring the courage of the crew of UA232, highlight both the devastating nature of the incident and the extraordinary skill of the pilots in trying to mitigate the disaster. The impact damage seen in photos, particularly the cockpit’s crumpling, offers a grim testament to the final moments of the flight.
The question of why non-Russian airlines continue to fly over Russian airspace during an active war is a pressing concern. The risks are undeniably high, given the pattern of incidents involving Russian air defenses. This raises essential questions about the international aviation community’s response to this escalating threat and the adequacy of existing safety measures.
There is growing international pressure to investigate the incident thoroughly and transparently. The incident underscores the need for enhanced protective measures for civilian aircraft transiting potentially hazardous airspace. The international community must hold Russia accountable for this tragedy, ensuring that a similar event does not recur. The repeated and seemingly reckless actions of Russian forces against civilian aircraft necessitate a strong international response to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of passengers worldwide. The ongoing war in Ukraine is undoubtedly a contributing factor, but it does not excuse the blatant disregard for international aviation safety norms demonstrated in this event.
The call for international action is not just about justice for the victims; it’s also about preventing future catastrophes. The evidence strongly suggests that this was not a simple accident; instead, it was a catastrophic event potentially caused by reckless behavior and a lack of accountability, raising further concerns about Russia’s willingness to adhere to international laws and norms. This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call for the international community, highlighting the urgent need to establish stronger safety protocols and to hold those responsible accountable. The repeated use of the word “accident” to describe this event is deeply troubling and underscores the need for a transparent and thorough international investigation. The lack of adequate international response to previous such events only emboldens those who perpetrate them.