The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan has published a preliminary report on the investigation into the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane near Aktau.

It is noted that this is a preliminary report, issued before the investigation into the tragedy is completed: "The information is preliminary and can be clarified and supplemented based on the results of research and study of all materials. After the work is completed, a final report will be prepared based on the results of the investigation into the aviation accident."

As noted, on the afternoon of December 25, 2024, while landing on runway 11 of the Aktau airfield, an aviation accident occurred with the Embraer 190-100 IGW2 4K-AZ65 aircraft, owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC. The aircraft was operating a regular passenger flight J2-8243 on the Baku-Grozny route. After two unsuccessful attempts to land at the Grozny airfield, the crew decided to return to Baku.

Then, at 05:13:31, according to the records received from the CVR, a sonic boom was recorded, and the audible alarm for disabling the autopilot (AUTO PILOT) and automatic throttle (THROTTLE) was triggered.

During the return process at 05:13:32, the aircraft's primary control systems were lost.

05:13:34 — The pressure in the 3rd hydraulic system dropped to 0 PSI. The fluid level in the 3rd hydraulic system dropped to 0%. The control surfaces are locked in the zero position and remain in this position until the end of the flight.

05:13:36 — a failure of the aircraft pitch trim system was recorded.

05:13:39 — according to FDR data, the beginning of cabin depressurization was recorded.

05:13:47 — HYD 2 LOW PRESS alarm triggered. Hydraulic system 1 pressure dropped to 0 PSI. Fluid level in hydraulic system 1 dropped to 0%

05:14:58 — According to the CVR, the captain contacted the cabin crew via the intercom to clarify the situation: " Hello, what happened? " The flight attendant responded: " Two seats exploded, I can't go over because the passengers stood up, I'm reseating them ."

At 05:42 the crew decided to proceed to the alternate airfield in Aktau for an emergency landing.

The preliminary report also said that "through-and-through damage to the aircraft indicates penetration of external objects into the structure" of the plane.

There were 62 passengers on board the plane – citizens of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. As well as five crew members. As a result of the aviation accident, the aircraft commander, co-pilot, senior flight attendant and 35 passengers died (38 people). 29 people survived, including two flight attendants. As a result of the collision with the ground, the plane was destroyed and partially burned.

Representatives of the aircraft's developer and manufacturer (Embraer SA, Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica SA) and the airline CJSC Azerbaijan Airlines are participating in the investigation.

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Cover: photo press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan