MOSCOW – Azerbaijani pilots are being hailed as heroes after saving 29 lives when their aircraft was hit by a Russian missile and forced to cross the Caspian Sea. The pilots, who lost all hydraulics, managed to steer the plane using engine thrust alone, demonstrating extraordinary skill and bravery.
The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, flight J2-8243, was en route from Baku to Grozny when it was struck by a missile over Russian airspace. Denied an emergency landing in Russia, the pilots made the difficult decision to cross the Caspian Sea, aiming for an emergency landing in Kazakhstan.
Despite the severe damage and loss of control, the pilots managed to keep the aircraft airborne, ultimately crashing near the city of Aktau on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea. The crash resulted in the deaths of the pilots, but 29 passengers survived thanks to their efforts.
Kazakh, Azerbaijani, and Russian authorities are investigating the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting that the missile strike was a tragic mistake. The pilots’ actions have been widely praised, with many calling them absolute heroes for their selfless efforts to save as many lives as possible.
This incident highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, as well as the extraordinary bravery and professionalism of the pilots who faced an unimaginable crisis with courage and determination.