Azerbaijani Minister Says Crashed Airliner Suffered External Impact

Russia’s aviation chief, Dmitry Yadrov, said a Ukrainian drone attack was underway in the area where an airliner was destined before it crashed in Kazakhstan.

Wreckage of Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 lies on the ground near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Dec. 25, 2024. The Administration of Mangystau Region via AP

Azerbaijani Transport Minister Rashad Nabiyev said on Dec. 27 that a preliminary investigation determined that an airliner that crashed on Wednesday experienced an “external impact” before the crash.

The Embraer E190 plane, which was flying from the Azeri capital, Baku, to the Russian city of Grozny, was diverted to Aktau in Kazakhstan and crashed upon landing, killing 38 people. Another 29 people survived.