Statement by Dmitry Yadrov, head of Rosaviatsiya, regarding the E190 aircraft crash near Aktau

Photo by © Republic of Kazakhstan Ministry of Emergency Situations press service

“Following the crash of the Embraer aircraft near Aktau, the Russian side immediately informed our Kazakh and Azerbaijani counterparts of our full and comprehensive readiness to cooperate in the investigation of this tragedy.

It is imperative that all circumstances of this event are thoroughly and fully verified. I would note that the conditions on that day and during those hours in the vicinity of Grozny Airport were particularly challenging. At that time, Ukrainian combat drones were conducting terrorist attacks on civilian infrastructure in the cities of Grozny and Vladikavkaz.

Consequently, a ‘Carpet’ mode was implemented in the Grozny Airport area, mandating the immediate departure of all aircraft from the specified airspace. Furthermore, dense fog was present in the vicinity of Grozny Airport. Visibility was nil at an altitude of 500 metres. The aircraft commander made two attempts to land at Grozny, which were unsuccessful.

Alternative airports were suggested to the commander. He made the decision to proceed to Aktau Airport. Numerous different circumstances require joint investigation. We are fully prepared to cooperate with our colleagues in this work,” stated Dmitry Yadrov, as reported by the Rosaviatsiya press service.

On 27th December, the Kazakh Minister of Transport, Marat Karabayev, announced that an oxygen cylinder had exploded on board the aircraft during its flight.

“The crew were unable to maintain a stable course and altitude. The Rostov air traffic controller reported that after being provided with weather data for Makhachkala and Baku, the crew decided to fly to Aktau. At 10:53, the Rostov flight supervisor informed the Aktau flight supervisor of additional information that an oxygen cylinder had exploded in the passenger cabin of the aircraft, passengers were losing consciousness, and requested medical assistance upon arrival,” said Mr. Karabayev at a briefing in Aktau.

“Following this, the head of Kazaeronavigation immediately notified all emergency services about the arrival of the distressed aircraft at Aktau Airport,” the minister added.

The crew entered Kazakh airspace and established contact with the tower controller. The controller took all necessary actions for a safe landing, and runway lights were activated to assist the pilot.

The aircraft attempted to land twice, during which its altitude fluctuated erratically, before the aircraft deviated towards the coastline. At 11:28, contact with the crew was lost, and the aircraft collided with the ground.

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