The pilots of the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer fought against great odds to steer their stricken jet to a crash-landing, using only engine thrust after losing all flight controls.
Video from before and after the crash indicate that shrapnel had penetrated the rear of the aircraft, putting out of action all three of the parallel hydraulic systems that move the control surfaces on the wings and tail of the aircraft, aviation experts said.
An unconfirmed transcript of the pilots’ exchanges with air controllers at Grozny, its planned destination, suggests they reported an “impact” that they first thought was a bird strike as they were diverting away from the Chechen city because the visibility there was too poor to land.
A wounded passenger is taken for treatment
AP