Interim report into AZAL crash near Aktau released

Kazakhstan has released an interim report into the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau that killed 38 people, saying damage to the aircraft was consistent with impact from elements of a warhead, although the source could not yet be determined.

The Ministry of Transport said the interim statement was issued one year after the crash because the final investigation could not be completed by the anniversary, as required under international aviation rules.

The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, operating Flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, crashed near the city of Aktau on 25 December 2024. Twenty-nine people survived, many with serious injuries.

According to the report, forensic analysis found no evidence of an internal explosion. Examinations of the aircraft’s oxygen cylinders showed no damage, and no explosive substances were detected on foreign metallic objects recovered from the wreckage.

However, investigators said the damage observed on the aircraft was preliminarily assessed as consistent with impact from damaging elements of a warhead. The metallic fragments were assessed as parts of a weapon system, but no specific model was identified at this stage.

A traceological examination of part of the aircraft’s hydraulic system found through-type damage consistent with contact with hard, possibly metallic objects composed of iron-based alloys.

Both flight recorders were recovered and decoded, and investigators carried out a detailed on-site examination of the crash location, documenting the distribution of aircraft components and collecting wreckage for further analysis.

The technical investigation is being conducted by a special commission appointed by Kazakhstan’s acting transport minister, in line with Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Accredited representatives from Azerbaijan, Russia and Brazil are participating in the inquiry, with the International Civil Aviation Organization acting as an observer. Separate criminal investigations are also under way in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Russia.

Kazakhstan published a preliminary report in February 2025, stressing that it contained only established factual information and did not include analysis or conclusions on the cause of the crash.

The interim report says investigators have analysed extensive material, including data on the flight crew and air traffic controllers, flight preparation and execution records, meteorological information and aircraft maintenance documentation.

Examinations were also carried out on avionics components, although data could not be extracted from the aircraft’s central maintenance computer because of thermal damage. Further analysis is being coordinated with international partners and equipment manufacturers.

Two working groups have been established as part of the inquiry: one examining risk assessment procedures for flights over or near conflict zones, and another focusing on wreckage reconstruction, including the aircraft’s hydraulic systems.

• AZAL plane crash: One year on, investigation continues
• The Spiral: Inside the AZAL flight J2‑8243 tragedy near Aktau

Kazakh authorities said the investigation was being conducted in a balanced and objective manner and that all conclusions would be based solely on verified facts.

The final report, which is expected to include detailed analysis, conclusions and safety recommendations, will be published on the Ministry of Transport’s website once the investigation is completed.

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Azerbaijan AZAL plane crash Kazakhstan Investigation Russia