Carrier suspends flights to five Russian airports after early findings of investigation into crash on Christmas Day The aircraft involved in the Christmas Day plane crash in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people experienced “external physical and technical interference,” according to preliminary results of the investigation, Azerbaijan Airlines said on Friday.The early findings led the carrier to suspend flights to five Russian airports, citing “potential risks to flight safety,” adding to the two routes that were suspended immediately after the crash. Continue reading...
This article reports on the Christmas Day crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. The preliminary investigation points to "external physical and technical interference" as the cause.
The main conceptual idea is that the plane was likely mistakenly shot down by a Russian air defense system. This is supported by:
* Witness accounts: A passenger reported a loud bang that caused the plane to shudder.
* US government assessment: Officials believe Russian air defenses may be responsible, echoing Ukrainian claims and sources in Azerbaijan.
* Allegations by Azerbaijani officials: A lawmaker claims the plane was damaged over Grozny and denied permission to land, forcing it to turn towards Kazakhstan, where it crashed.
This incident has prompted investigations by both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, and calls for an official apology from Russia.
This article reports on the Christmas Day crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. The preliminary investigation points to "external physical and technical interference" as the cause. The main conceptual idea is that the plane was likely mistakenly shot down by a Russian air defense system. This is supported by: * Witness accounts: A passenger reported a loud bang that caused the plane to shudder. * US government assessment: Officials believe Russian air defenses may be responsible, echoing Ukrainian claims and sources in Azerbaijan. * Allegations by Azerbaijani officials: A lawmaker claims the plane was damaged over Grozny and denied permission to land, forcing it to turn towards Kazakhstan, where it crashed. This incident has prompted investigations by both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, and calls for an official apology from Russia.
