Initial Findings: Sonic Boom and Mid-Air Failures in AZAL Crash
Kazakh Ministry of Transport Releases Preliminary Report on AZAL Flight Crash
The preliminary report by the Kazakh Ministry of Transport regarding the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Embraer-190 crash near Aktau last December has provided some crucial insights into the tragic incident. According to the report published on Feb. 4, the flight data indicates a sonic boom at 05:13:31, followed by an autopilot and throttle disconnect alarm.
The report goes on to detail that just one second after the sonic boom, the aircraft lost its primary control systems. By 05:13:34, the hydraulic system pressure had dropped to zero, causing the control surfaces to lock in a neutral position. Following this, the pitch trim system failed, and cabin depressurization began.
At 05:14:58, the captain contacted the cabin crew, who reported that two seats had exploded, leading to passenger movement inside the cabin. The crew then proceeded to the alternate airfield in Aktau for an emergency landing at 05:42.
However, the situation took a turn for the worse when a TERRAIN TERRAIN PULL-UP alarm was triggered at 06:19:13, sounding twice more before the aircraft ultimately crashed at 06:27:58. The accident occurred on Dec. 25, 2024, at 11:28 local time during landing at Aktau airfield.
The report also highlighted the damage to the hydraulic system before impact, suggesting that it was likely caused by external objects penetrating aircraft components. Investigators found evidence of both through and non-through (blind) damage during a visual inspection.
Furthermore, foreign objects were extracted from the blind damage areas for forensic examination in the presence of representatives from Brazil, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan’s law enforcement agencies. The investigation team recovered a significant number of objects for further analysis.
Tragically, out of the five crew members and 62 passengers on board, 38 people lost their lives, including the aircraft commander, co-pilot, senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers. Among the victims were citizens from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia, with two flight attendants and 27 passengers sustaining injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed and partially burned in the crash.
It is important to note that the report is only preliminary and subject to updates as the investigation progresses. A final report will be published after a thorough review of all materials, with representatives from Embraer S.A. and AZAL actively involved in the investigative process.
