Times: Video of AZAL plane crash reveals possible missile strike

Experts have concluded that Flight 8432 from Azerbaijan to Grozny, Chechnya, Russia was most likely shot down by a missile. This conclusion comes after studying a transcript of the pilot's conversation with dispatchers, published in Russia, and analyzing the video footage, reported from The Times.

"The pilots of the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer fought against great odds to steer their stricken jet to a crash-landing, using only engine thrust after losing all flight controls.

Video from before and after the crash indicate that shrapnel had penetrated the rear of the aircraft, putting out of action all three of the parallel hydraulic systems that move the control surfaces on the wings and tail of the aircraft,” aviation experts said.

On December 25, an AZAL passenger aircraft on a Baku-Grozny flight crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Among the 67 people on board, 42 were Azerbaijani citizens, 16 were Russian, 6 were Kazakh, and 3 were Kyrgyz. Tragically, 38 individuals lost their lives, while 29 survived.

Following the accident, 27 individuals were admitted to the hospital. Of these, 15 are Azerbaijani citizens, 8 are Russian citizens, and 3 are citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic. The identity of one individual has not yet been confirmed.

Three crew members, including both pilots, were killed, while two crew members survived.

In response to the numerous casualties, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree declaring December 26 as a day of mourning. Additionally, a State Commission, led by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, was established by order of the head of state to investigate the causes of the plane crash.

On December 26, 14 wounded and 4 bodies were brought to Azerbaijan.

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