An Azerbaijani airliner crash in Kazakhstan, claiming the lives of 38 people, has sparked allegations of a Russian missile’s involvement. A prominent Telegram channel, VChK-OGPU, which is closely tied to Russian security services, suggested the aircraft might have been mistakenly targeted by a Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile. The missile reportedly misidentified the passenger plane as a Ukrainian drone.
Evidence and Speculation
The Telegram channel, as quoted by Irishstar, stated that the visible damage on the plane’s fuselage aligns more closely with shrapnel from a missile explosion than with a bird strike or a drone collision, contradicting earlier reports by Russian media. The channel alleged the missile detonation occurred about 18 kilometers north-northwest of the airport in Grozny, at an altitude of 2,400 meters (7,875 feet).
Pilot’s Communication
Partial communication between the pilots and air traffic control revealed the crew initially believed a bird strike had occurred. However, the situation escalated as they reported losing control of the aircraft:
- 8:12 a.m.: Pilots reported GPS failure and requested vectoring to return to their departure airport in Baku.
- 8:16 a.m.: A pilot mentioned a “bird strike,” to which air traffic control responded, asking what assistance was needed.
- 8:17 a.m.: The captain decided to redirect the plane to Mineralnye Vody airport in southern Russia.
The pilot’s last recorded words were reportedly, “Can’t execute, control lost.”
Ongoing Investigation
While the missile strike theory gains traction, no independent verification of these claims has been made. The reports challenge earlier narratives attributing the crash to a drone collision, with investigators now scrutinizing missile shrapnel as a potential cause.
Broader Implications
If the missile strike allegations are confirmed, it could escalate tensions in the region, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine and Russia. The crash also raises questions about airspace security and the potential misidentification of civilian aircraft.
Authorities in Azerbaijan and international investigators are expected to release further updates as the investigation continues.
Sources By Agencies
