Brazil Leads Multinational Effort to Investigate Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash

Experts from Four Countries Collaborate on Black Box Data Analysis

Brazil’s air force is spearheading the international investigation into the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 in Kazakhstan on December 25, 2024. The crash, which resulted in the tragic loss of 38 lives, occurred after the aircraft was diverted en route from Baku to Grozny. The investigation involves experts from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia, who are analyzing data from the aircraft’s black boxes, including the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.

International Investigation with Multiple Countries Involved

A statement from Brazil’s air force confirmed that nine international investigators, including representatives from Kazakhstan (three), Azerbaijan (six), and Russia, are working in Brasilia to extract and validate flight data. The goal is to complete the extraction and analysis in the shortest time possible, but no specific deadline has been set for releasing the findings. Brazil’s role in leading this investigation is crucial, as the Embraer 190 is a Brazilian-made aircraft, adding a layer of international cooperation in the wake of the crash.

Speculation on the Cause of the Crash: Electronic Warfare and Air Defense

Following the crash, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev raised serious concerns about the plane being downed by Russian air defense systems. Aliyev claimed that the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia, which caused the plane to become uncontrollable. This assertion was followed by accusations that Russia was attempting to suppress details of the incident. He pointed out that the plane was denied permission to land at two Russian airports before being diverted to Kazakhstan. Russia, in turn, issued an apology through President Vladimir Putin but did not acknowledge responsibility for the crash. Instead, the Kremlin blamed the missile defense systems deployed near Grozny to protect the area from potential Ukrainian drone strikes.

Denial of Sale and Ongoing Tensions

While the investigation into the crash progresses, tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan continue to simmer, especially with the claim that the plane may have been accidentally shot down by Russian defense systems. In response to the incident, Russian defense spending in the region has been ramped up, though the true cause of the crash remains the subject of intense scrutiny.