ICAO Headquarters in Montreal. Azerbaijan Airlines Crash: ICAO Expresses Full Support for Investigation International Law
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) expressed its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured in the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 on December 25, 2024.
In accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), ICAO called on its member countries to provide full cooperation in conducting an independent investigation into the incident with the participation of all affected States.
Investigators, as stated in the official press release of ICAO, are to gather all information about the accident and present a report on the facts and any potential safety-related factors that may have led to or contributed to the tragedy. They will also be expected to make recommendations for possible improvements in aviation safety.
According to media reports, the Embraer plane, flying from Baku to Grozny, crashed on December 25 near Aktau, Kazakhstan. It failed to land at its destination and was sent across the Caspian Sea to Aktau airport, where it collided with the ground. There were 67 people on board, of whom 38 died.
In the interests of aviation safety, ICAO stands ready to support the investigation by sending an expert to work on site as an observer as part of the international investigation team.
ICAO reminds that the countries that designed, manufactured and operated the aircraft, as well as those whose nationals were killed or seriously injured as a result of the incident, have the right to participate in the investigation.
In accordance with Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention, an investigation is conducted with the aim of preventing future incidents by collecting and analysing data and related information. Annex 13 provides for the preparation of a preliminary report within 30 days of the accident, and a final report within 12 months.