Both flight recorders have been recovered from the wreckage of an Azerbaijani airliner that crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, killing at least 38 people, according to Kazakh authorities.
The aircraft, carrying 67 passengers and crew, went down hundreds of kilometers off its scheduled course, raising serious questions about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy. Pictures from the crash site reveal numerous small holes on the fuselage, adding to the mystery surrounding the accident.
In a joint effort to uncover the cause of the crash, officials from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Brazil, and other relevant parties have commenced a comprehensive investigation. The participation of Brazil suggests possible involvement of Brazilian-manufactured aircraft or components.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims,” said a spokesperson for Kazakhstan’s aviation authority. “We are committed to a thorough investigation to determine what led to this unfortunate event.”
Two primary concerns have emerged: the significant deviation from the flight path and the physical condition of the aircraft. Aviation experts are puzzled by the plane’s off-course trajectory, which may indicate navigation errors, system failures, or other unforeseen factors.
The visible damage to the aircraft, characterized by numerous small holes, is also under scrutiny. Investigators will examine whether these were caused by structural failures, external impacts, or other causes.
The recovery of the flight recorders, commonly known as the “black boxes,” is a critical development. These devices record cockpit communications and flight data, providing invaluable information that can help reconstruct the events leading to the crash.
International cooperation is expected to expedite the investigative process. Azerbaijan’s aviation authorities have pledged full transparency, while Kazakhstan has assured that all findings will be shared with the involved parties.
Families of the victims are being notified, and support services have been offered to assist them during this difficult time.
This tragedy has raised concerns over aviation safety standards in the region. As the investigation unfolds, airlines and regulatory bodies may review protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
