According to the report, the Embraer 190-100 IGW aircraft with registration number 4K-AZ65, operating regular flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, experienced a loss of GPS signal while in Russian airspace, including the area around Grozny Airport.
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the crew was unable to make a second landing attempt and decided to return to Baku. Shortly after, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) registered two unidentified sounds 24 seconds apart. An analysis of the CVR and flight data recorder (FDR) showed that four seconds after the first sound, the third hydraulic system failed, followed by the first system six seconds later, and the second system 21 seconds after that, leading to a complete loss of hydraulic functionality.
An inspection of the aircraft revealed multiple punctures and damage to the fuselage, documented in photos and videos. Damage was found in the rear of the aircraft, on the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, the left wing, and the left engine. The report states that these damages resulted from external impact, with no evidence of a bird strike. Additionally, foreign objects unrelated to the aircraft were discovered and confiscated, with their photographs included in the report.
The report also states that at 05:13:32, the aircraft’s primary control systems were lost, and at 05:21:42, the coordinating dispatcher informed Grozny about the start of the “Kover” operation. However, the aircraft crew was not aware of this in advance, indicating an attempt by Russian authorities to conceal information.
Despite these facts, Russian officials, experts, and media continue to deny any involvement in the incident and attempt to shift the blame onto the crew. This approach is reminiscent of the case of the Malaysian Boeing 777, which was shot down over Donbas in 2014, for which Moscow has never accepted responsibility.
Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing at a military facility in the village of Khankala near Grozny. According to available information, the fire at the aircraft originated from this military base.
Azerbaijani authorities possess information about the individuals who gave the orders and fired the shots, as well as details about the type of weapon used.
Despite the presence of substantial evidence, facts, and findings, Russia’s attempts to divert the investigation and blame the crew are deeply concerning. Experts from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, and the aircraft’s manufacturer, Brazil, are all involved in the investigation. In other words, all the facts presented in the preliminary report are known to the Russian side.
Azerbaijan has clearly outlined its conditions and demands, which have been communicated at the highest level. As previously mentioned, Azerbaijan possesses fragments of a Pantsir-S missile, which was used to shoot down the aircraft. A body of evidence is being compiled, facts and proof are being gathered, and preparations for an appeal to the International Court are underway, APA reports.
Nevertheless, Azerbaijan remains open to dialogue with Russia. Moscow must openly acknowledge its responsibility and take accountability. Otherwise, Baku is prepared to take further steps.
