Survivor Recounts Details of Plane Crash Near Aktau
Subhonkul Rakhimov, a survivor of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash, shared his account of the tragedy. He described three failed landing attempts in Grozny, a powerful explosion, and visible damage to the aircraft cabin.
Timeline of Events According to the Survivor
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Landing Attempts:
- The plane tried to land in Grozny three times but was hindered by heavy fog.
- “The plane suddenly went up, gaining altitude after each failed attempt,” Rakhimov said.
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Explosion:
- During the third attempt, passengers heard a loud explosion.
- “It wasn’t an internal explosion. The panel near me tore off,” Rakhimov explained.
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Damage:
- Rakhimov found a hole in his life jacket caused by shrapnel:
“A fragment hit between my legs and pierced the life jacket completely.”
- Rakhimov found a hole in his life jacket caused by shrapnel:
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Pilot’s Decision:
- After the explosion, the crew diverted the plane to the nearest airport in Aktau.
- Rakhimov, who was seated in the tail section, noted that the damage was most noticeable there.
Eyewitness Testimony as Key to Investigation
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Cause of Explosion:
- The nature of the explosion and its apparent external origin warrant further investigation.
- Investigators are examining possibilities such as bird strikes or other external factors.
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Aircraft Damage:
- Shrapnel and punctures in the cabin indicate external impact.
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Crew’s Actions:
- The pilots’ decision to divert to Aktau likely saved more lives.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
- Investigation:
- Findings on the cause of the explosion and structural damage will be crucial to understanding the crash.
- Support for Victims:
- Authorities in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan continue to provide assistance to survivors and the families of victims.
Conclusion
Subhonkul Rakhimov’s testimony sheds light on the tragic events in the air. His account underscores the importance of a thorough investigation to uncover the causes of the disaster and prevent future incidents.
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