Tengrinews.kz - On December 25, an Embraer ERJ-190 aircraft carrying 67 passengers issued a “Mayday” signal over the Caspian Sea. While attempting an emergency landing in Aktau, the aircraft crashed. Here’s what is known about the five crew members.
Reports indicate that aviation experts agree the crew made the best possible decisions under the extreme circumstances, saving as many lives as they could. Video footage suggests that the pilots attempted to stabilize the aircraft and ensure a safe landing until the very last moment. Their professionalism deserves recognition.
Captain Igor Kshnyakin (deceased)
Captain Igor Kshnyakin was a seasoned pilot with over 15,000 flight hours, including 11,200 as a captain, according to AZAL. He held Russian citizenship, as confirmed by his wife. Aviation experts emphasized his professionalism, noting that the crew's actions saved many lives under extreme circumstances.
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Co-pilot Aleksandr Kalyaninov (deceased)
Aleksandr Kalyaninov, a graduate of the Baku European Lyceum, fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot. His alma mater mourned his loss, highlighting his dedication and achievements.
"Our Aleksandr Kalyaninov! He fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot. How proud we were of his achievements: the lyceum received a letter of gratitude from Turkey for an outstanding applicant, who later became a student. A smart, handsome young man died in the line of duty, saving the lives of dozens of people! Our hearts will never come to terms with this loss. We will remember Sasha every time we look at the sky, every time we hear the sound of a flying plane," the lyceum's statement reads.
Photo: Facebook, Bakı Avropa Liseyi
Flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva (deceased)
Hokuma Aliyeva, born in 1991 in Kalbajar District and raised in Ganja, held a law degree from Baku State University and had been with AZAL since 2016.
Tragically, she could not be identified after the crash, and DNA tests were required. Her brother and mother shared memories of her love for aviation and her home country.
"Until the 6th grade, Hokuma studied in Russia and loved her homeland dearly. Later, we returned to our country, where she earned a higher education degree and became a lawyer," shared her mother, Kyamala Aliyeva.
Later, it was discovered that Hokuma had passed away.
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Flight attendant Zulfugar Asadov (survived)
With over 30 years in aviation, Zulfugar Asadov miraculously survived the crash, despite severe injuries to his head, back, and kidneys. He managed to contact his family, reassuring them of his survival.
"Don’t worry. Tell my mother that everything is okay. Thank god we're safe," he said on a call to his family.
Photo: instagram.com/zulfuqarsdov
Flight attendant Aidan Ragimli (survived)
Aidan Ragimli was seated in the tail section of the aircraft, which might have contributed to her survival. She has been receiving medical and psychological support and was seen visibly emotional in a video shared by Azerbaijani media.
"In addition to medical assistance, she is also receiving psychological support," the caption to the video states.
Experts and media have praised the crew for their heroism and professionalism, crediting their efforts with minimizing casualties in this tragic accident.
Civil aviation expert Abul Kekilbayev urged caution against drawing premature conclusions about the incident. He emphasized the importance of focusing on gathering data to ensure an objective investigation, noting that thorough analysis is the cornerstone of any crash inquiry.
Azerbaijani citizens who survived the plane crash near Aktau spoke about their condition and thanked Kazakhstani doctors.
