Detailed Timeline of Flight J2-8243's Final Hours

DALLAS — A detailed transcript of radio communications has emerged, documenting the harrowing final hours of Azerbaijan Airlines (J2) Flight 8243, which crashed near Aktau on December 25, resulting in 38 fatalities among its 67 occupants.

It was later surmized by Azerbaijani officials and aviation experts that a Pantsir missile system, which Russia is currently using against Ukrainian drone attacks in the region, had caused the J2 Embraer E190 to crash near Aktau on that Wednesday morning. The confirmation came a day after Azerbaijani media reported that shrapnel from a Russian Pantsir missile system attack had damaged the J2 E190 as it approached Grozny.

Additionally, according to Azerbaijani media, Russian electronic warfare systems had disabled the aircraft’s communication system, hence its disappearance from radars in Russian airspace and reappearance near the Caspian Sea.

The transcript reveals a cascade of technical failures and emergencies that developed during what began as a routine flight from Baku to Grozny. We’ll go through the phases of the approach to Grazny and include the transcript in its entirety at the end of our summary.

Initial Landing Attempts at Grozny

The flight's troubles began around 7:37 AM Moscow time when the crew reported losing both GPS signals while approaching Grozny airport. 

Despite multiple attempts at non-precision approaches using traditional navigation aids (NDB), deteriorating weather conditions with visibility at 3,300 meters and a cloud base at 240 meters complicated their landing attempts. 

After two unsuccessful approaches, the crew decided to abort the landing at Grozny.

Escalating Technical Problems

The situation dramatically worsened when the crew reported a bird strike, followed by what they described as two-seat explosions in the cockpit. 

The aircraft began experiencing multiple system failures:

• Loss of flight controls
• Hydraulic system failure
• Steering control issues, forcing the crew to rely on engine throttles for directional control
• Problems with the cabin pressurization system

Critical Mid-Flight Crisis

As the situation deteriorated further, around 8:51 AM, the crew reported additional serious problems:

• Oxygen system failures in the passenger cabin
• Reports of a possible oxygen tank explosion
• Fuel smell in the cabin
• Passengers beginning to lose consciousness
• The aircraft was carrying 62 passengers with approximately 3,800 kg of fuel remaining

Final Diversion to Aktau

After considering several alternate airports, including Mineralnye Vody and Makhachkala, and returning to Baku, the crew decided to divert to Aktau, Kazakhstan. 

At 9:02 AM, they declared a MAYDAY emergency at Aktau Tower, reporting complete control surface failure and relying solely on engine throttles for control.

The Final Approach

During the final approach to Aktau:

• The crew requested and received vectors for a straight-in approach to minimize turning
• The airport was closed to other traffic
• Runway lights were activated to assist the struggling aircraft
• Weather conditions included winds at 20 degrees at 5 meters per second

The transcript ends with the crew's final communications as they approach Aktau airport. The pilots were attempting an emergency landing using only engine throttles for control. 

Despite these efforts, the aircraft ultimately crashed, marking one of Azerbaijan's most severe aviation incidents in recent history.

The transcript reveals that the flight crew maintained professional communication throughout the emergency with air traffic controllers, who provided continuous support and coordination across multiple air traffic control sectors as the situation evolved.

Transcript

Negotiations between Grozny airport dispatchers and the crew of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight (D — dispatcher, E — aircraft crew; Moscow time):

7:36:57 E: Grozny tower, Azerbaijan, 8-2-4-3, good morning, approaching flight level 130, both GPS lost, request vectoring for NDB approach.

7:37:11 D: Azerbaijan, 8-2-4-3, Grozny tower, good morning, identified. Expect approach NDB Victor, RWY 26, via REMKA lX, descend 1100 meters, QFE 1-0-0-5 hPa.

07:37:33 E: NDB approach RWY 26 via REMKA l X-Ray, QFE 1-0-0-5, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:37:47 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, confirm, descend to 1100 meters.

7:37:53 E: Descending 1100 meters, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:37:58 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, listen to information G.

7:38:03 E: Information G on board, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:38:20 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, for information, a new runway is under construction north of runway 26.

7:38:28 E: Accepted, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:40:03 E: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, could you repeat, please, will you vector us for NDB approach?

7:40:16 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, confirm, do you need QNH?

7:40:21 E: We need vectoring for the NDB approach if possible.

7:40:32 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, vectoring for approach NDB V RWY 26, maintain current heading until commanded.

7:40:42 E: Maintaining current course until team, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, thank you very much.

7:42:16 E: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, should we continue on current course?

7:42:23 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, maintain current course until command.

7:42:28 E: Accepted, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:42:44 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, turn right course 360, descend 900 m.

7:42:53 E: Right course 360, descending 900 m, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:44:18 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, starboard course 090.

7:44:25 E: Right course 090, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:44:31 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, maintain altitude 900 meters.

7:44:38 E: We maintain 900 meters, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:47:49 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, starboard course 1-8-0.

7:47:54 E: Starboard course 1-8-0, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:48:04 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, descend 700 meters.

7:48:09 E: Descending 700 meters, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:49:02 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, maintain altitude 700 meters.

7:49:08 E: We are holding 700 meters, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:49:19 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, azimuth 0-7-1 distance 1-4 km, right course 2-5-0, NDB Victor entry cleared, runway 26,

7:49:31 E: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, please repeat.

7:49:34 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, starboard heading 2-5-0, RNAV cleared, NDB Victor correction approach runway 26.

7:49:44 E: Starboard heading 2-5-0, cleared NDB Victor entry runway 26, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:50:08 E: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, what is our removal?

7:50:16 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, please repeat.

7:50:19 E: Please tell us our distance from NDB, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:50:25 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, distance 1-4 km.

7:50:30 E: Got it, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:50:56 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, distance 1-2 km, approaching glide path, wind calm, runway 26 cleared for landing.

7:51:07 E: Landing cleared, information received by Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, thank you.

7:51:52 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, runway lights on.

7:51:58 E: Accepted, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:53:26 E: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, going around, unstable approach.

7:53:31 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, go around as posted.

7:53:35 E: Requesting vectoring for go-around, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3. GPS signal lost.

7:53:41 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, maintain current course, climb 900 m.

7:53:49 E: Maintaining current course, gaining 900 m, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:53:54 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, and starboard course 360.

7:54:01 E: Right course 360, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:54:41 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, report current heading.

7:54:46 E: Current rate 360, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:55:31 E: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, can you provide vectoring for another approach?

7:55:44 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, starboard course 0-8-0.

7:55:49 E: Right course 0-8-0, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:55:56 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, confirm, do you require RNAV GNSS approach?

7:56:02 E: Confirm, we don't need a GNSS approach. Both GPS signals are lost.

7:56:09 D: Azerbaijan 8243, understood, expect RNAV GNSS approach runway 26.

7:56:15 E: No, both GPS signals lost. Unable to complete RNAV approach. Request vectoring for NDB approach, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

7:56:25 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, understood, expect approach NDB V RWY 26.

7:56:32 E: Expecting NDB V approach to runway 26.

7:58:05 E: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, can you please advise us to maintain an altitude of 900 m?

7:58:12 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, maintaining altitude 900 m.

7:58:18 E: Maintaining altitude 900m, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

8:00:06 E: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, please tell me how long we will maintain the current rate?

8:00:20 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, one minute.

8:00:23 E: Received, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

8:01:38 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, for your information, I do not see you on the radar, maintain current course and report removal.

8:01:52 E: Current heading 0-8-0 degrees, distance to airport…

8:02:00 E: 3-0 miles, but GPS signal lost, information may not be accurate.

8:02:20 E: Grozny, Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3.

8:02:25 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, Grozny Tower.

8:02:27 E: Ah, you are vectoring us, yes?

8:02:30 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, yes, I confirm. But I don't see you on the control tower.

8:02:37 E: Ah, so we are heading 80 degrees, altitude 900 m.

8:02:43 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, roger, execute left orbit, climb to 1500 m.

8:02:54 E: Left orbit, gaining 1500 m.

8:03:47 E: 8-2-4-3, executing left orbit, 1500 m climb.

8:03:54 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, climb to 1500 m.

8:03:59 E: We are dialing 1500, performing left orbit.

8:04:48 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3 identified, left heading 180.

8:04:53 E: Course 180?

8:04:59 E: Grozny, 8-2-4-3, what course should we set?

8:05:05 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, in the fourth minute: meteorological visibility 3300 m, solid cloud cover, base 240 m, haze.

8:05:40 E: Repeat the visibility again.

8:05:43 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, visibility 3 thousand 300 meters.

8:05:47 E: 3 thousand 300. Bottom edge? 240?

8:05:51 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, confirm, 240 meters, solid cloud cover, haze.

8:05:57 E: Got it. So, your minimum goes through our NDB, right?

8:06:03 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, confirm.

8:06:06 E: Ah, I request further vectoring, we are following on course 180.

8:06:10 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, maintain current course.

8:06:14 E: Maintaining course 180.

8:06:19 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-4-3, descend 900 meters.

8:06:23 E: Descending 900 meters.

8:06:34 E: We're going to come in now, right? I'm just asking, should I release the landing gear there, get ready for landing?

8:06:45 E: How was it received, Grozny?

8:06:47 D: 8-2-4-3, understood.

8:06:49 E: Got it, we're preparing the mechanization.

8:07:08 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, azimuth 0-72, distance 26 kilometers, right course 2-4-0, NDB Victor approach cleared, runway 26.

8:07:22 E: Right course 2-6-0, cleared for NDB approach, runway 2-6, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:07:29 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, starboard course 2-4-0.

8:07:33 E: Starboard course 2-4-0, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:07:37 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, descend 600 meters.

8:07:41 E: Descending 600 meters, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:08:12 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, resume own navigation, descend 500 meters.

8:08:19 E: Resume own navigation, descend 500 meters, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:09:23 E: Azerbaijan 82-43, occupied 500 meters, please advise on the distance, when to continue the descent.

8:09:29 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, good.

8:09:43 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, according to them... according to my data, your altitude is 330 meters.

8:09:52 E: According to ours, the height is 500 meters, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:10:06 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, 12 kilometers away, approaching glide path, calm wind, runway 26, cleared for landing. Runway lights on.

8:10:17 E: We are approaching the glide path, landing is cleared for runway 26, and, thank you, 82-43.

8:11:50 E: Azerbaijan 82-43, following Baku.

8:11:58 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, on course, on current course gain 900 meters.

8:12:05 E: At current heading I'm gaining 900 meters, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:12:12 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, confirm, leave for Baku, reserve.

8:12:17 E: Confirm, we're leaving for Baku, reserve, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:12:29 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, initially climb to flight level 8-0. And tell me, can you proceed directly to point PINTA?

8:12:39 E: We are recruiting echelon 8-0. And now we will prompt, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:12:48 E: Azerbaijan 82-43, both GPS lost, vectoring needed.

8:12:56 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, roger. Right course 3-6-0.

8:13:03 E: Starboard course 3-6-0, Azerbaijan 82-43, thank you.

8:14:14 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, climb to flight level 1-5-0.

8:14:19 E: We are gaining echelon 1-5-0, we were hit by a bird, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:14:24 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, and speed up the dialing.

8:14:30 E: Accelerating dialing, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:14:50 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, starboard course 0-8-0.

8:14:55 E: Right course 0-8-0, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:15:24 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, starboard course 0-5-0.

8:15:30 E: Starboard course or port course, 0-5-0? Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:15:34 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, right.

8:15:37 E: Right course 0-5-0, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:16:05 E: Grozny, the controls failed. Bird strike in the cockpit... Uh, bird strike and two seats exploded in the cockpit.

8:16:16 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, roger. What help do you need?

8:16:40 E: What is the weather like in Mineralnye Vody, please help.

8:16:44 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, sixteenth minute.

8:16:48 E: Don't get it?

8:16:52 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, in the sixteenth minute.

8:16:55 E: What at the sixteenth minute?

8:16:58 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, repeat your message, you are hard to hear.

8:17:15 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, is the flight okay?

8:17:19 E: Flight is in order. We are heading to Mineralnye Vody.

8:17:24 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, roger, proceed with current course to command.

8:17:30 E: Got it, we're heading to the team on the current course. Please, a big request, aaa, weather Mineralnye Vody.

8:17:37 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, standby. Climb to 1-5-0 echelon.

8:17:44 E: We're dialing 1-5-0.

8:18:29 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, and perform left orbit.

8:18:36 E: I can't execute, control is lost.

8:18:39 E: Give us vectoring to Mineralnye Vody. And please give us the weather in Mineralnye Vody.

8:18:50 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, roger, await weather. Left course 0-3-0.

8:18:59 E: Left course 0-3-0.

8:19:11 E: I can't maintain 150, we have increased pressure in the cabin.

8:19:19 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, understood.

8:20:26 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, left course 3-6-0.

8:20:32 E: Left 3-6-0 and I, my plane is losing control.

8:21:20 E: Give me Makhachkala.

8:21:23 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, and... decided to head to Makhachkala?

8:21:29 E: Yes, that's right, to Makhachkala, give me the weather.

8:21:32 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, please standby.

8:22:11 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, a... right course 110.

8:22:34 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, Grozny Tower.

8:22:39 E: At the reception.

8:22:40 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, starboard course 1-4-0.

8:22:56 E: Our hydraulics failed.

8:23:02 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, Grozny Tower.

8:23:07 E: At reception, our hydraulics failed.

8:23:11 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, understood, can you complete the courses?

8:23:19 E: We can’t carry out, give a specific course, we will go to Makhachkala.

8:23:24 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, left course 100, and correction, right course 100.

8:23:31 E: Right course 100.

8:23:33 E: And the weather in Makhachkala.

8:23:42 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, Makhachkala weather: wind 310 degrees, 2 meters per second, visibility 3 thousand 300 meters, base 750 meters, haze, QNH 10-26 hectopascals, band in operation 32.

8:24:00 E: Got it.

8:24:25 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, confirm, has a distress call been declared?

8:24:32 E: I don't understand.

8:24:36 E: I don't understand, confirm...

8:24:42 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, repeat.

8:24:45 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, is the flight okay?

8:24:49 E: The board is in order.

8:24:54 E: Permission to proceed at this altitude.

8:24:57 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, repeat.

8:25:02 E: Permission to proceed at this altitude, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:25:09 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, you are unintelligible. Repeat your message.

8:25:30 E: Azerbaijan 82-43, how was it received?

8:25:33 E: At the reception.

8:25:35 D: (inaudible) 82-43 Grozny Tower, I can hardly hear you.

8:25:41 E: We (inaudible).

8:25:47 E: Azerbaijan 82-43, permission to proceed at this altitude?

8:25:53 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, I don’t see you on the control tower, tell me your altitude.

8:26:09 E: Our altitude is 80.

8:26:12 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, try to reach flight level 100.

8:26:19 E: No, we can't.

8:27:00 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, Grozny Tower.

8:27:04 E: Reception, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:27:06 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, work Rostov-Control 134.1.

Rostov dispatchers then negotiate with the crew of the Azerbaijan Airlines flight:

8:27:13 E: Rostov-Control 134.1, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:27:32 E: Rostov-Control, Azerbaijan 82-43, good afternoon. And questions, direct to Baku.

8:27:41 D: Good afternoon, 82-43, Rostov-Control.

8:27:47 E: Azerbaijan 82-43, altitude 80 echelon, permission to Baku? Steering control failed, using throttle sectors.

8:28:03 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, Rostov-Control, identified. Your decision, will you proceed to Baku?

8:28:09 E: Yes, yes, we are heading to Baku, at this altitude.

8:28:14 D: Confirm, proceeding at flight level 90.

8:28:17 E: Yes sir, we are holding, maintaining echelon 90, and give us a general course to Baku.

8:28:41 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, course not yet current to the team and what assistance do you need upon arrival.

8:28:53 D: 82-43, Rostov-Control.

8:28:56 E: And at the reception, no help is needed yet, I’m heading to Baku.

8:29:02 E: Control failed, hold throttle sectors.

8:29:07 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, please advise current heading.

8:29:18 E: Heading 100 degrees (inaudible).

8:29:22 D: 82-43 repeat, ( inaudible).

8:29:28 E: Course 90, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:29:31 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, course 1-4-0.

8:29:36 E: Course 1-4-0, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:30:55 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, confirm, you are maintaining flight level 90.

8:31:02 E: I don't understand.

8:31:03 D: Azerbaijan, 90, amendment Azerbaijan 82-43, Rostov-Control, confirm, maintain flight level 9-0.

8:31:10 E: We confirm as it turns out.

8:31:25 D: AZ 82-43 (inaudible), Rostov-Control 127.9.

8:31:33 E: 127.9 Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:31:38 E: Rostov-Control, Azerbaijan 82-43, request direct to Baku.

8:31:43 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, on the current course you can get to the mountainous region in the southwest, if possible, maintain a course of 90 until the command, as neither the mountainous region nor the restrictions will interfere, we will try to get you to Bumar.

8:31:58 E: Thank you, I'll try to keep the course to 090 Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:32:05 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, we have a flat area, safe altitude is flight level 80, if possible try not to descend below flight level 80.

8:32:15 E: Received, thank you.

8:33:02 E: Calm them down, everything is fine, let’s go to Baku.

8:33:08 D: AZ 82-43, repeat.

8:33:19 E: Reception, Azerbaijani.

8:33:22 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, they transmitted something, repeat, everything is ok, are you going to Baku?

8:33:27 E: No, no, we're going to Baku. That means we have a hydraulic system failure. Steering - we're using the throttles.

8:33:35 D: 82-43, understood, hydraulic system failure.

8:33:51 D: FOR 8-2-43, you are deviating to the north, take a correction to the east about 30 degrees to the right.

8:34:02 E: Understood, 30 degrees to the right.

8:34:11 D: AZ 8-2-43, recommendation, Makhachkala is located 160 km southeast of you, technically suitable, ready to accept. Your decision?

8:34:23 E: Give me the weather in Baku.

8:34:26 D: FOR 8-2-43, repeat (nrzb).

8:34:29 E: Please give me the weather in Baku.

8:34:31 D: FOR 8-2-43, please wait.

8:34:34 E: Got it.

8:34:43 D: ZA 8-2-43, Baku actual weather for 30 minutes: wind 320 degrees 14 knots, visibility more than 10 km. Cloudiness significant at 660, correction 960 m, temperature 9, dew point 5. QNH 1-0 27 hPa, no significant changes for 2 hours.

8:35:05 E: Okay, Makhachkala weather.

8:35:09 D: FOR 8-2-43, do you have this flight level 60 confirmed? If possible, 80 and above should be followed in this area.

8:35:17 E: (illeg)

8:35:41 D: Actual weather Makhachkala for 30 minutes wind 320 degrees 2 m per second, visibility 4800 m haze, cloud cover insignificant 180 m, solid cloud cover 720 m, temperature 7, dew point 5. QNH 1-0 2-6 hPa, in operation band 30, live braking efficiency good, without significant changes for 2 hours and QBB 180 m.

8:36:09 E: No, we're heading to Baku.

8:36:12 D: FOR 8-2-43, on the current course (illegible) you have 0-40, take a course to the right 1-3-0.

8:36:41 D: FOR 8-2-43, Rostov-Control, do you copy?

8:36:45 E: I can hear you fine.

8:36:47 D: FOR 8-2-43, is it possible to take the course 1-3-0 to the right?

E: Turn, set course (vector) Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:37:30 D: 8-2-43 there will be an opportunity to report the remaining fuel and which engines the bird hit.

8:38:14 D: Aza 8-2-43, if possible, climb to flight level 90.

8:38:23 E: I'll try. Azerbaijan 8-2-43.

8:38:33 D: (inaudible) transmits, dial 9000 if possible.

8:38:38 D: FOR 8-2-43, repeat.

8:38:43 D: No, it was the Georgian plane ( inaudible ) 9-2-9 that duplicated your commands so that they would dial 9000.

8:38:49 D: 0-9-2-9 thank you.

8:39:09 E: Rostov Azerbaijan a-a 83-43, through 2-43, (fuel) on board 3-830, engines running, aileron and elevator control system failed.

8:39:28 D: FOR 8-2-43 understood, control system failed, engines are running.

8:39:43 E: Fuel remaining, ah, 3-800.

8:39:51 D: Azal 8-2-43, recorded.

8:39:57 D: Azal 8-2-43, please let me know the remaining fuel time.

8:40:01 E: I ask you, I don’t have time yet.

8:40:03 E: How is the weather in Aktau?

8:40:06 D: FOR 8-2-43, please wait.

8:40:08 E: Waiting.

8:41:39 D: Aza 8-2-43, actual weather Aktau uniform (alpha tango echo) for 30 min. wind 0-40 degrees 6 m/s, visibility over 10 km, significant cloudiness at 1080 m, temperature 4, dew point -1, QNH 1-0-2-7 hPa, no significant changes for 2 hours.

8:42:03 E: Got it. What boarding pass are you giving?

8:42:06 D: FOR 8-2-43, yours is unintelligible.

8:42:09 E: What landing?

8:42:13 D: Landing (illegible) (large).

8:42:16 D: For 8-2-43, there is no stripe in Metar(e) now, we will check, I will tell you.

8:42:20 E: Ah, tell me.

8:45:26 D: AZ 8-2-43, indicating flight level 60, climb to flight level 9-0 if possible.

8:45:34 E: I'll try to get to the 9-0 level, Azerbaijan 82-43.

8:45:41 D: 1-8-2-43, and if possible, advise what assistance will be needed upon arrival.

8:45:58 E: Firefighters, evacuation, doctor Azerbaijan 8243.

8:46:04 D: (inaudible) 42-8-3, unintelligible, only understood the doctor (inaudible) .

8:46:19 E: Azerbaijan 8-2-43, firefighters, evacuators and doctors will be needed.

8:46:25 D: (...an/yeah) 8-2-43, understood, firefighters, evacuation... evacuation and doctors will be needed, we will pass on the information.

8:47:45 D: (inaudible) possible, turn right 20 degrees to heading 090.

8:47:52 E: Turn right to course 090 (inaudible) 3.

8:49:43 E: ZA 8-2-43, for your information, descend again today, flight level 70, if possible, climb to flight level 9-0.

8:49:56 E: We are recruiting echelon se... seven... 19 (inaudible) to eight... eight hundred and three.

8:50:03 D: ZA 8-2-43, confirm, climb to flight level 9-0.

8:50:19 D: ZA 8-2-43, if possible, please provide the remaining fuel in hours.

8:50:29 E: One and a half hours, Azerbaijan, 82-43.

8:51:05 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-43, please provide the number of passengers as soon as possible.

8:51:12 E 62 passengers, 8-2-43.

8:51:16 E: There's not enough oxygen (inaudible) , we don't have enough oxygen.

8:51:17 D: Azerbaijan 8-2-43, repeat number of passengers and presence of dangerous goods.

8:51:25 E: 62 passengers, no dangerous goods, Azerbaijan 8-2-43.

8:51:31 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, understood, recorded, 62 passengers, no dangerous goods.

8:51:54 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, today...

8:52:25 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, do you need any data on the Aktau airfield, or do you have everything?

8:52:41 E: No, we don’t need it, we have everything.

8:52:44 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, understood.

8:52:46 E: So, we have the following situation. Oxygen is running out in the passenger cabin. So, an oxygen tank exploded there, I think. And, that means there is a smell of fuel. And, some passengers... that means they are losing consciousness. May I ask if we can go at a lower altitude?

8:53:04 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, what echelon is required, please advise. And I received the information, the oxygen tank exploded, the oxygen is running out, the passengers are losing consciousness.

8:53:14 E: Okay, echelon sixty will arrive.

8:53:18 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, acknowledged, descend to flight level 60, and resuscitation will be required upon arrival?

8:53:18 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, acknowledged. Descend, flight level 60. And resuscitation will be required upon arrival...

8:53:25 E: Probably, yes.

8:53:27 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, understood, descend to flight level 60.

8:53:35 Descending, flight level 60.

8:59:44 D: AZAL 82-43rd, in response, altitude level 54, 55, if possible, maintain altitude 60.

9:01:41 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, if possible, please provide estimated landing time in Aktau.

9:01:49 E: 6-30 (inaudible), Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:01:53 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, 6-35, did I get it right?

9:01:57 E: 6-3-0, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:02:01 D: Azerbaijan 82-43. 0-6-30, accepted time, thank you.

9:02:15 D: Azerbaijan 82-43. If possible, make a 10 degree left correction to take a course of 0-9-0.

9:02:28 E: Left correction to take course 0-9-0, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:02:32 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, pass this point... 9 kilometers south, to Aktau, west... 133 kilometers left, and work this Aktau-Tower 120... goodbye.

9:02:47 E: 120 comma 7, thank you, Azerbaijan 82-43.

Aktau dispatchers conduct further negotiations with the crew of the Azerbaijan Airlines flight:

9:02:56 E: MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. Azerbaijan 82-43, Aktau-Tower, good afternoon. Control surfaces have failed, we are controlling the throttle. We are requesting an emergency landing on runway 11.

9:03:13 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, Aktau Tower, good day, identified, information received, control surfaces only. Distress code 7-7-0-0. Continue descent to 1800 feet, QNH 10-25. And let you know how it would be more convenient to approach. Visually, most likely, yes?

9:03:34 E: Descending to 1800 feet. We will make a visual approach. Azerbaijan 82-43. Managing throttle sectors.

9:03:46 D: Azerbaijani 82-43, provide vectoring for approach?

9:03:52 E: Yes, please vector Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:04:04 D: Azerbaijani eight hundred... 82-43. Repeat, the last one didn't work. Provide vectoring for approach?

9:04:10 E: Provide vectoring, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:04:13 D: 82-43, accepted, course 0-7-0.

9:04:20 E: Course 0-7-0, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:06:44 E: Aktau-Tower, bring us in so that we enter from a direct line, please. Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:06:50 D: 82-43, accepted, calculate direct approach.

9:06:56 E: Vector us so that we enter straight ahead, without turns, please. Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:07:05 E: How was it received? Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:07:08 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, acknowledged. Proceed with course 0-5-5.

9:07:13 E: Following course 0-5-5. Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:12:50 E: Azerbaijan 82-43, Aktau-Tower.

9:12:53 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, Aktau-Tower, on reception.

9:12:57 E: Ah, should we continue on course 0-55?

9:13:09 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, starboard course 1-0-0.

9:13:14 E: Right course 1-0-0, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:13:26 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, your position, bearing 282, distance 37 nautical miles.

9:13:34 E: Received. Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:14:09 E: KZS_1431 Aktau-Tower, KZS 14-31.

9:14:13 D: KZS 14-31, Tower receiving.

9:14:15 E: KZS_1431 KZS 14-31, we are now passing the SAURA point, entered the controlled zone. Further according to the plan, at the request of the customer, we will be along the seashore, to Akshukur. To Akshukur we will work along the seashore at an altitude of 50 to 100 meters.

9:14:32 D: KZS 14-31, for your information, we have an emergency flight landing. The airport is closed. For now, wait over the SAURA point, I will inform you additionally.

9:14:42 E: KZS_1431 And we won't interfere. We are 4-5 kilometers away along the seashore, can we follow for now?

9:14:49 D: KZS 14-31, follow my instructions, wait at point SAURA until further instructions.

9:14:54 E: KZS_1431 Got you, we are waiting over the SAUR point until further instructions, KZS 14-31.

9:15:30 D: Azerbaijani 82-43, please advise current rate.

9:15:34 E: Current course 112, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:15:37 D: Azerbaijani 82-43, course 0-9-0.

9:15:41 E: Course 0-9-0. Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:15:56 D: KZS 14-31, according to my data, you have moved 5 miles away from the SAURA point. Set course for the SAURA point.

9:16:06 E: KZS_1431 KZS 14-31, understood, turning around, heading SAURA.

9:16:13 E: KZS_1431 Tower, KZS 14-31.

9:16:16 D: KZS 14-31, Tower receiving.

9:16:18 E: KZS_1431 A-a-a, then we'll go, exit the controlled zone and head towards the islands.

9:16:25 D: KZS 14-31, received.

9:16:34 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, azimuth 280, distance 25 nautical miles, visual contact with runway, report.

9:16:45 E: Accepted. Visual contact with runway reported. Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:18:36 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, for runway information at 1 hour, distance 17 miles.

9:18:43 E: Received, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:19:11 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, runway lights turned on for your convenience.

9:19:18 E: Received, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:19:43 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, your location is azimuth 282, distance 13.

9:19:51 E: Received, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:19:57 D: Azerbaijani 82-43, course 0-7-0.

9:20:04 E: Course 0-7-0, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:21:02 D: Azerbaijani 82-43, course 0-9-0.

9:21:09 E: 0-9-0, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:21:30 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, runway at a distance of 8 miles, do you see the strip?

9:21:39 E: We are watching, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:21:43 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, wind 20 degrees, five meters per second, cleared for landing, runway 11.

9:21:49 E: Runway 11 cleared. Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:23:21 E: We'll make a turn, if it works, we'll go in. Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:23:24 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, accepted. Landing cleared, wind 20 degrees, five.

9:23:29 E: Cleared to land, Azerbaijan 82-43.

9:27:07 D: Azerbaijan 82-43, azimuth 240, distance 3.

9:27:12 E: Received, Azerbaijan 82-43.