On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190 aircraft tragically crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities and 29 survivors. The flight, en route from Baku to Grozny, was diverted before the crash.
Recovery and Analysis of Black Boxes
Both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) were recovered from the crash site. These devices were sent to Brazil’s Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) for detailed analysis, given Embraer’s expertise as the aircraft manufacturer.
Investigators from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia collaborated in Brasília to extract and analyze the data. The successful extraction of flight data has been confirmed, and the information has been transmitted to Kazakhstani officials leading the investigation.
Investigation Focus
The analysis of the black box data is crucial for understanding the sequence of events leading to the crash. Azerbaijan has alleged that the aircraft was unintentionally shot down by Russian air defense systems, a claim that Russia has not officially acknowledged. The data from the black boxes is expected to shed light on these allegations and determine the actual cause of the crash.
Next Steps
The investigation is ongoing, with international teams working diligently to analyze the extracted data. The findings will be published by Kazakh authorities upon completion. In the meantime, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to Grozny and Makhachkala pending the investigation’s outcome.
This tragic incident has prompted discussions on aviation safety and the importance of thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences. The international community awaits the final report to understand the factors contributing to this disaster.
