The deadliest plane crashes of 2024: Brazil and Russia top the list

What's New

Following the Christmas Eve crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight carrying 67 people from Baku to Grozny, near the Kazakh Caspian city of Aktau, which left 25 survivors, global attention has turned to passenger plane accidents worldwide this year.

The Embraer 190 was en route from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus when it was diverted and attempted an emergency landing, which eventually failed.

Newsweek has reached out to Embraer and Azerbaijan Airlines for comment via email on Wednesday.

Why It Matters

The year 2024 witnessed several tragic aviation accidents worldwide, sparking renewed discussions on aviation safety and crisis management.

Among the incidents, two stood out for their scale of devastation: the crash of a Russian military transport plane in January and a commercial flight tragedy in Brazil in August, which claimed 62 lives.

What to Know

January 2: Haneda Airport Collision

A runway collision at Tokyo's Haneda Airport involved a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 and a Japan Coast Guard aircraft. While all 379 passengers on the commercial flight were safely evacuated, five crew members aboard the Coast Guard plane were killed.

January 24: Russian Ilyushin Il-76M Crash

A Russian Ilyushin Il-76M transport aircraft crashed in Russia's Belgorod region, killing all 74 people on board, including 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war. Moscow claimed the aircraft was shot down by a Ukrainian rocket in Belgorod. The incident marks the deadliest aviation accident of the year.

July 24: Saurya Airlines CRJ200 Crash

A Bombardier CRJ200 operated by Saurya Airlines crashed during takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Of the 19 people on board, 18 were killed, with the pilot as the sole survivor. Investigations raised concerns over maintenance practices within the airline.

August 9: Voepass Airlines ATR-72 Crash

An ATR-72 operated by Voepass Airlines crashed near a residential area in Vinhedo, São Paulo, Brazil. Severe icing conditions caused the pilots to lose control, resulting in the deaths of all 62 on board, including 58 passengers and four crew members.

Brazilian authorities faced difficulties identifying victims due to a post-crash fire, with investigators from Brazil's Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) citing weather conditions and pilot error as contributing factors.

December 25: Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J28243 Crash

An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 carrying 67 individuals from Baku to Grozny diverted its route due to adverse weather and attempted to land at Aktau airport in Kazakhstan. The plane crashed upon landing, killing 42 people and leaving 25 survivors.

What People Are Saying

Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, during a press conference: "The information provided to me is that the plane changed its course between Baku and Grozny due to worsening weather conditions and headed to Aktau airport, where it crashed upon landing."

Embraer, Brazilian aviation company, in a statement on Flight J28243: "We are deeply saddened by the occurrence involving an Embraer 190 today near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones affected by this incident. We are closely monitoring the situation and remain fully committed to supporting the relevant authorities."

What Happens Next

An investigation to determine the cause of the Flight J28243 crash is under way. Azerbaijan's state news agency, Azertac, said that an official delegation of Azerbaijan's emergency situations minister, the deputy general prosecutor and the vice president of Azerbaijan Airlines were sent to Aktau to conduct an "on-site investigation."