Harrowing new details have emerged about the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432, shedding light on the crew’s extraordinary efforts to save lives amid dire circumstances.
The Embraer 190 aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, was reportedly struck by a surface-to-air missile near Grozny, Chechnya, forcing an emergency crash landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday.
The crash claimed the lives of 38 passengers and crew, with 29 survivors. Among the dead were Captain Igor Kshnyakin, First Officer Aleksandr Kalyaninov, and Chief Flight Attendant Hokuma Aliyeva, who are being hailed as heroes for their selfless actions during the disaster. The firing on the plane was not believed to be intentional.
The Crew’s Final Moments
Captain Kshnyakin and First Officer Kalyaninov, both experienced pilots, displayed exceptional airmanship in piloting the crippled aircraft for over 300 kilometers across the Caspian Sea. Aviation experts noted their extraordinary handling of the plane, which had sustained severe damage to its stabilizers and hydraulic systems.
Video evidence and flight data suggest the crew relied on unconventional methods, including engine power adjustments and phugoid motion, to maintain control. They sought emergency landing clearances at multiple Russian airports, which were reportedly denied, leaving them no choice but to attempt landing in Kazakhstan.
Chief Flight Attendant Hokuma Aliyeva’s voice was heard in a chilling passenger video recorded mid-flight.
In her final moments, she worked to calm passengers, repeating, “Everything will be fine.” Her family revealed she had planned to transition to a legal career with the airline and this was to be her last flight as a purser.
Azerbaijani government sources have confirmed that the plane was struck by a Russian surface-to-air missile.
Shrapnel from the explosion damaged the fuselage, injuring passengers and crew. Reports indicate Russian air defense systems may have mistaken the aircraft for a threat amid heightened tensions in the region.
The crew initially believed the damage was caused by a bird strike but later reported being fired upon. Russian authorities denied the pilots' requests for emergency landings at airports near Grozny, reportedly due to military orders to airports to restrict air activity.
Flight tracking data revealed severe GPS jamming and communication disruptions during the incident, which hampered the crew’s ability to navigate and communicate effectively.
Chronology of Events: Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432
- Ukrainian Drone Activity and Russian Electronic Warfare
Early on the morning of the crash, reports emerged of Ukrainian drone activity near Grozny, Chechnya. In response, Russian military units stationed along the western Caspian Sea activated advanced electronic warfare systems, jamming radio and GPS signals. These measures caused widespread communication disruptions in the region, creating an environment fraught with risk for civilian aviation. - Unknowing Descent into Danger
Unaware of the military operations, Flight 8432 began its descent western of the Caspian Sea, preparing for landing at Grozny in thick fog. Flight tracking websites detected erratic transponder signals and GPS discrepancies, consistent with spoofed data caused by electromagnetic interference. Azerbaijan Airlines later confirmed that the aircraft's communication systems were effectively “paralyzed.” - Explosion and Damage
Survivors recounted a loud explosion outside the aircraft, followed by shrapnel piercing the rear fuselage. The damage punctured the tail section, leading to sudden cabin depressurization and critically injuring passengers and crew seated near the rear. The crew, unaware of the external threat, initially assumed a bird strike was to blame. - Emergency Declaration and Denied Landings
Believing a bird strike had occurred, the pilots squawked 7700 signalling an emergency on board and sought immediate clearance to land. However, Russian air traffic controllers denied landing requests at multiple airports near Grozny, reportedly due to unrelated military orders to close airspace, possibly linked to heightened drone activity. - Claims of Drone Interception
Chechen military units briefly posted on social media about successfully targeting a Ukrainian drone in the area, though these posts were swiftly deleted. The timing of the posts raised questions about their connection to the explosion experienced by Flight 8432. - Attempt to Return to Baku
The crew initially planned to return to Baku but discovered critical tail damage, including the loss of hydraulic fluid essential for operating rudders, elevators, and ailerons which would make landing more complicated in Baku, one of the windiest places in the world and airport being in the densely populated area. Based on available information in the public sources, the pilots had, based on cabin crew accounts of shrapnel injuries, already figured out the plane had been struck by a missile. Some sources claim they had radioed these suspicions to Azerbaijani authorities which advised leaving Russian airspace as soon as possible. - Political Escalation
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, en route to Russia for a summit, was informed mid-flight of the situation. He reportedly called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the crash. Shortly afterward, President Aliyev's airplane turned back towards Azerbaijan. Official accounts of the conversation focus on the need for cooperation in investigating the incident. - Unconventional Maneuvers
With standard flight controls severely compromised due to the all 3 hydraulic systems out of action, the pilots relied on engine power with asymmetric thrust to manage speed and direction. To stabilize the aircraft, they used phugoid motion—oscillating climbs and descents—to control altitude and speed. These unconventional techniques, though extremely challenging, were the crew’s only option to keep the aircraft airborne. - Final Descent and Impact
Modern aircraft rely on hydraulic systems to power critical control surfaces such as elevators, rudder, ailerons, and flaps, which are essential for managing the high aerodynamic forces acting on these components. Without these systems operational, executing a soft, safe, and controlled landing becomes nearly impossible. Despite the pilots’ extraordinary efforts, the aircraft broke apart during the emergency landing attempt near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Video footage captured the plane oscillating as it approached an open field near the airport, eventually splitting upon impact. The tail section, where most survivors were seated, remained relatively intact. Tragically, the front section, including the cockpit and forward cabin, was engulfed in flames, resulting in the loss of the crew and many passengers.The incident has drawn parallels to United Airlines Flight 232 and Japan Airlines Flight 123, both of which suffered similar catastrophic hydraulic system failures.
The Crew’s Heroic Efforts and Experience
The crew of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 demonstrated extraordinary professionalism and courage in the face of unimaginable challenges. Their quick decision-making and resourcefulness in navigating the crippled aircraft across the Caspian Sea provided passengers with a fighting chance of survival, despite overwhelming odds.
Captain Igor Kshnyakin: A Veteran Pilot
Captain Igor Kshnyakin, a seasoned aviator with over 15,000 flight hours under his belt, including 11,200 as a captain, was renowned for his calm demeanor and exceptional technical skills. With decades of experience flying multi-engine aircraft, he had faced numerous high-pressure situations, but the events of Flight 8432 tested his expertise to the limit.
Aviation experts have lauded his ability to maintain control of the aircraft with severely compromised systems, relying on unconventional methods like engine power adjustments and phugoid motion to stabilize the plane.
First Officer Aleksandr Kalyaninov: A Skilled Co-Pilot
First Officer Aleksandr Kalyaninov, a young and sharp pilot, was living his dream as part of the Azerbaijan Airlines crew. Known for his quick thinking and technical aptitude, Kalyaninov worked closely with Captain Igor Kshnyakin to manage the unprecedented crisis that unfolded during Flight 8432.
Described by colleagues as ambitious and passionate about aviation, Kalyaninov had quickly established himself as a reliable and skilled co-pilot. His coordination with the captain and ability to execute complex maneuvers under duress were critical to prolonging the flight and navigating the damaged aircraft across the Caspian Sea. Together, the pilots displayed remarkable synergy, keeping the aircraft airborne despite the loss of critical control systems.
Chief Flight Attendant Hokuma Aliyeva: A Calming Presence
Chief Flight Attendant Hokuma Aliyeva, known for her cheerful attitude and dedication, played a vital role in maintaining order in the cabin. In her final moments, Aliyeva was heard on passenger-recorded video reassuring those onboard to sit calm with their seatbelts fastened, repeating the words, “Everything will be fine.” Her courage and composure provided comfort to passengers in a time of extreme fear and chaos.
Aliyeva had a background in law and had planned to transition to a legal role within the airline after this flight. Her father shared poignant memories of her pride in her work, saying she always strived to ensure the safety and well-being of her passengers.
Flight Attendants Zulfugar Asadov and Aydan Rahimli: Survivors and Heroes
Flight attendants Zulfugar Asadov and Aydan Rahimli, who survived the crash, sustained injuries but were praised for their quick actions to assist passengers. Despite the chaos caused by the explosion and subsequent cabin damage, they remained focused on ensuring the safety of those onboard. Their ability to support passengers during the emergency landing and their resilience in surviving the crash have been highlighted as testaments to their training and bravery.
Facing Unprecedented Challenges
The crew faced an unprecedented combination of challenges: severe damage to the aircraft, loss of communication and navigation systems, and the emergency landing in an unfamiliar area.
Their heroic efforts ensured that 29 of the 67 people onboard survived, a feat many experts consider remarkable given the extent of the damage. Tributes have poured in for the crew, with aviation professionals and the public alike recognizing their dedication and bravery.
