The Cause of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243’s Crash Remains a Mystery, but Russia-Azerbaijan Tensions Simmer
The investigation into the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243, which occurred on Christmas Day near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, is ongoing, with flight recorders recovered and the search for answers continuing. While the official cause of the crash remains unknown, early indications suggest a possible link to a Russian anti-aircraft system being involved in the downing of the passenger jet.
A US official told CNN that a Russian anti-aircraft system may have brought down the flight, a claim that has been supported by some in Azerbaijan and international media. However, the Russian government has been tight-lipped on the matter, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that the aviation authorities would provide information, but the government would not speculate until the investigation is complete.
The crash has presented a public-relations dilemma for the Kremlin, with footage showing perforations on the plane’s body resembling damage from shrapnel or debris, and several international carriers suspending flights to Russian cities. The original destination of the aircraft, the Russian republic of Chechnya, adds to the complexity of the situation, as it is run by a pro-Kremlin warlord.
The crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014, which was downed by a Russian surface-to-air missile over Ukraine, serves as a cautionary tale about the Kremlin’s ability to spin and disinformation. The investigation into MH17 was met with a blizzard of false and misleading information, ultimately distracting from the real cause of the tragedy. It remains to be seen if the investigation into the Azerbaijan Airlines crash will also be obscured by disinformation.