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The plane that crashed in Kazakhstan was likely hit by a Russian air defense system. This was stated by experts based on data from the disaster site. In particular, small holes and fragments were found on the fuselage, penetrating into the passenger compartment. This indicates an external explosion, and not a technical malfunction or a bird strike, as previously thought.

According to Channel 14, experts from the aviation safety company Osprey Flight Solutions are confident that the plane was shot down. “Video from the crash site and airspace analysis indicate that the air defense system was damaged,” said Matt Bory, the company’s chief analyst.

The tragedy occurred against the backdrop of intense military activity and a massive Ukrainian drone attack in the region.

The plane diverted due to difficult conditions

The plane was flying from Baku to Grozny, but due to thick fog and airport closures it was redirected to Aktau (Kazakhstan). Two unsuccessful approaches to Grozny forced the crew to head to Kazakhstan. However, the plane crashed near the airport.

According to initial reports, the cause could have been a flock of birds and poor visibility. However, further investigations revealed traces consistent with an explosion.

Eyewitnesses confirm the explosion

Surviving passengers described a loud explosion outside the plane before it crashed. Shrapnel damaged the cabin, injuring people while still in the air. Video footage shows one of the passengers injured by shrapnel.

The air defense system is to blame

At the time of the disaster, Russian air defense systems were actively operating in the region. They were put on alert due to the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks. Ukrainian authorities claim that the plane could have been hit by Russian air defense systems by accident.

Andrey Kovalenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian authorities, said: “Russia bears responsibility for what happened. They should have closed the airspace, but did not. This led to loss of life.”

The situation is reminiscent of the tragedy of 2014, when Malaysian airline flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine.

Cursor previously wrote that a survivor of a plane crash in Kazakhstan showed the dark moments before and after the tragedy.