ICAO ready to send expert to investigate Aktau plane crash

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has announced its readiness to send an expert to assist in investigating the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E-190 near Aktau, Kazakhstan.

In a statement, ICAO emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles outlined in Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), calling for full cooperation from all member states in conducting an independent and thorough investigation, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

"International civil aviation standards mandate an independent investigation, with all affected states invited to participate. Investigators are tasked with gathering all relevant data, analyzing the facts, and identifying safety hazards or factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. They will also recommend measures to improve aviation safety based on their findings," ICAO stated.

The organization further underscored the need for all relevant parties, including concerned states and service providers, to retain essential records and fully cooperate in the investigation process.

"States involved with the aircraft’s operator, registration, design, and manufacture—along with those whose nationals were affected by the crash—are eligible to take part in the investigation," the statement added.

According to ICAO’s guidelines under Annex 13, the investigation is focused on preventing future accidents by collecting and analyzing safety data. A preliminary report should be prepared within 30 days, while the final report is expected within 12 months. ICAO’s involvement will ensure the investigation is comprehensive, addressing all potential contributing factors to the crash and aiding efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The tragic incident occurred on December 25, 2024, when the Embraer 190, travelling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Chechnya, crashed near Aktau. Of the 67 people aboard, 38 lost their lives.

By Tamilla Hasanova