Almaty: Damage to an AZAL passenger aircraft resulted from destructive elements of a warhead, though their origin remains unidentified, according to an interim report from the commission investigating the crash of the Embraer 190 aircraft (registration 4K-AZ65) belonging to AZAL. This investigation was conducted by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the report also highlights that damage to the aircraft's No. 2 hydraulic system pipe may have resulted from contact with hard objects, with the holes potentially caused by external metal alloy objects. Comprehensive studies, including isotopic, ballistic, explosive, and fire-related examinations, were conducted on detected external metal objects. No traces of explosive substances were found, and investigations on three oxygen cylinders showed no signs of explosion. Although the aircraft's damage is linked to destructive warhead elements, their origin remains undetermined.
An isotopic examination of the No. 2 hydraulic system pipe revealed damage caused by fragmentation from hard object contact. Additionally, a study on the Central Maintenance Computer's cartridge, extracted from the Avionics Modular Block, was hindered by thermal impact, preventing data retrieval. Honeywell International Inc has advised contacting Delkin Devices Inc for further research, and discussions are underway with a U.S. representative about conducting research at the Delkin Devices Inc factory.
The investigation also examined the Global Positioning System cartridges extracted from Avionics Modular Blocks No. 1 and No. 3. The examination work has concluded, and analysis is ongoing. The Investigation Commission is awaiting the completion of the Central Maintenance Computer cartridge study and a report from the working group assessing flight risks near conflict zones. The commission emphasizes maintaining a balanced position, ensuring conclusions are fact-based. The final report on this aviation incident will be published on the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan's website.