The Spiral: Inside the AZAL flight J2‑8243 tragedy near Aktau

The Spiral is an AnewZ original documentary that explores the 25 December, 2024 tragedy in which an Embraer 190‑100 operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) crashed.

The plane was operating flight J2‑8243 from Baku, Azerbaijan to Grozny.

On that day, the aircraft faced unexpected difficulties during its flight, ultimately leading to a crash while attempting an emergency landing in Aktau Kazakhstan.

Preliminary investigations confirm that the aircraft was airworthy at departure, and the accident had a profound impact on all involved.

The human toll was significant: two pilots, the senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers were killed, while 29 people survived thanks to the actions of the heroic crew.

An ongoing investigation into the crash is being conducted by Azerbaijani authorities in coordination with Kazakhstan and other international aviation experts.

The inquiry involves extensive analysis of flight data, aircraft damage, and expert examinations, and is being carried out in accordance with international aviation standards.

While preliminary findings have been documented, the final conclusions regarding the causes and responsible parties have not yet been publicly released, and the investigation continues to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the tragedy.

People carry a coffin with the body of a victim of the AZAL Embraer passenger plane crash near Aktau, upon the arrival, Baku, Azerbaijan, 28 December, 2024
Reuters

The Spiral focuses on the personal stories of those affected by the tragedy.

Relatives and family members of the fallen crew and pilots share memories, lives, and dreams, giving viewers a deeply human perspective on the accident.

The documentary shows how a sudden disaster can divide life into “before and after,” emphasising the lasting emotional impact on families, communities, and national memory.

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