Preliminary report reveals details of Azerbaijan Airlines crash near Aktau

"Initial findings suggest that the airliner was likely struck by fire from Russian air defense systems."

At 08:13, hydraulic pressure issues arose leading to control surface failures. Pilots declared an emergency after experiencing two 'booms' heard on CVR recordings. Attempts were made for diversions considering weather conditions at Mineralnye Vody and Makhachkala airports before deciding on returning to Baku. However, they eventually opted for Aktau due to deteriorating conditions.

“So, we have the following situation: the oxygen is running out in the passenger cabin... Let us go at a lower altitude.”

At 11:03 local time, pilots declared a MAYDAY emergency reporting failed control surfaces and managing with engine thrust levers only. By 11:27, the E190 crashed near Aktau resulting in 38 fatalities and several injuries.

“Initial damage inspection of surviving fragments revealed multiple penetrating and non-penetrating damage...”

Kazakh investigators found metal pieces extracted from the fuselage pending further examination before final reporting. President Ilham Aliyev accused Russia of anti-aircraft fire causing damage but no official responsibility has been accepted by Russia despite an apology from President Vladimir Putin.

In response to this incident, aviation authorities like EASA updated their conflict zone warnings including Russian airspace among potentially dangerous zones advising operators against flying within certain coordinates until July 31.