Azerbaijan Probe Links Russian Missile to Deadly Air Crash, Reports Claim

Azerbaijan’s preliminary investigation into a deadly air crash in Kazakhstan has concluded that the airliner was brought down by Russia’s air defence systems, according to multiple media reports.

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432, en route to Grozny, Russia, crashed near the city of Aktau on Wednesday, killing 38 people and injuring 29 others.

While Azerbaijan has not officially announced the findings, sources familiar with the investigation, including Euronews, The Wall Street Journal, Anadolu Agency, and Reuters, reported that Russian anti-aircraft missiles were involved. A source told Reuters that the aircraft was struck by a Russian Pantsir-S battery after its communications were disrupted by electronic warfare systems as it approached Grozny. The missile strike was believed to be accidental.

Government sources told Euronews that the plane, after requesting an emergency landing, was not permitted to land in Russia and was instead directed to fly across the Caspian Sea toward Aktau.

The initial explanation from Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency suggested that the crash was caused by a bird strike, though experts had raised concerns over possible damage from air defence systems, citing visible damage to the plane's tail section.

The crash occurred in an area of Russia's North Caucasus region that has recently been targeted by Ukrainian drones. Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported shooting down dozens of drones in the days leading up to the crash.

Footage on social media showed the aircraft making a steep descent before crashing and bursting into flames.

The Kremlin has urged against speculating about the cause of the crash, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that it would be premature to draw conclusions before the official investigation results are published.

Kazakhstan is also investigating the crash and has not speculated on its cause.

In Azerbaijan, a national day of mourning was held on Thursday for the victims, with residents observing a moment of silence as flags were lowered and traffic came to a halt. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed his sorrow, calling the crash a "great tragedy" and "tremendous sorrow" for the people of Azerbaijan.