When Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 took off from Baku on Christmas Day, it was struck mid-flight by a suspected surface-to-air missile, causing catastrophic damage and disabling the Embraer 190 jet's hydraulic systems.
Under those dire circumstances, Captain Igor Kshnyakin and First Officer Aleksandr Kalyaninov managed to guide the crippled jetliner over the Caspian Sea toward Aktau, Kazakhstan, in an attempt to execute an emergency landing. Although 38 people, including the pilots, lost their lives, 29 passengers survived the crash in what some have deemed a "Christmas miracle" made possible by the crew's performance and skill under extraordinary pressure.
Why Did the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight Crash?
Flight 8243, traveling from Baku to Grozny in Russia's North Caucasus, was unexpectedly diverted on Wednesday for reasons that remain unclear. The plane crashed approximately two miles from Aktau, with cellphone footage capturing its steep descent before exploding upon impact.
Experts say the plane likely lost control due to severe damage to its electrical and hydraulic systems. Data from Flightradar24 showed its vertical speed fluctuated over 100 times in the last 74 minutes of the flight.
Almost immediately, as the official investigation into the crash began, some experts noted holes visible in the plane's tail section, suggesting it might have been struck by Russian air defense systems that were operating in the region, possibly countering a Ukrainian drone attack.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that it was too soon to speculate on the reasons behind the crash. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Aliyev over the crash though he did not take responsibility.
What To Know
The survival of 29 passengers, including three children, has been hailed as miraculous. Dan Bubb, a former pilot and professor at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, credited the pilots' skillful handling of the compromised aircraft for preventing a greater disaster.
"These pilots didn't just fly the plane—they fought it every step of the way," Bubb told Newsweek.
The crew's efforts extended beyond the cockpit, with survivors recalling their remarkable composure during the descent. "Staying calm and composed is part of the training," Bubb said. "Pilots are trained to expect the unexpected, staying two or three steps ahead of the aircraft by running checklists, planning contingencies, and anticipating potential issues."
As the plane was losing altitude, the pilots managed to keep the aircraft airborne for over 180 miles, attempting multiple emergency landings.
"When a plane loses power, it essentially becomes a heavy glider," he said. "The pilots must find the best glide speed, identify the nearest airport, and maintain control. It's all about understanding aerodynamics and the fundamentals of flying."
Bubb likened the incident to the 1989 crash of United Airlines Flight 232, when a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 lost all hydraulics after an engine explosion. Despite being almost uncontrollable, the crew saved 184 of the 296 people onboard by using differential thrust—adjusting power between the remaining engines to stabilize the aircraft — while executing an emergency landing in Sioux City, Iowa.
"The remarkable part of Flight 232 was how the crew adapted under extreme pressure," Bubb said. "Similarly, the crew of the Azerbaijan flight appears to have drawn on their training and ingenuity to navigate an incredibly challenging situation."
"Pilots in these scenarios must think outside the box, leveraging every ounce of their experience," he added. "This level of skill and composure is what separates extraordinary pilots from the rest. What they achieved is nothing short of miraculous."
What People Are Saying
A spokesperson for Baku European Lyceum, the school where First Officer Aleksandr Kalyaninov graduated, in a statement to local media: "He fulfilled his dream: he became a pilot. We were very happy about his success. A smart, handsome young man died in the prime of his life. He died while serving, saving dozens of lives."
Samir Rzayev, Azerbaijan Airlines president: "The bravery and dedication of the crew will never be forgotten. Their priority to save lives has immortalized their names in history."
What Happens Next
Investigators have recovered the crashed jetliner's black box and are analyzing data to confirm the cause of the crash. Focus is also on reports that the flight was denied an emergency landing in Russia, which could have mitigated the disaster.
Azerbaijan Airlines also said that it would suspend flights between Baku and Grozny, as well as between Baku and the city of Makhachkala in Russia's North Caucasus, until its investigation into the crash has been concluded.
A memorial to the flight crew has been erected at the airport in Baku.
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