Azeri jet crashes after take-off
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 6:15 pmAn Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet has crashed after take-off from the Azeri capital, Baku, airline and interior ministry officials have said.
There was no immediate confirmation of casualties, but 18 passengers and five crew were thought to be on board.
The aircraft was heading to Aktau in Kazakhstan on the opposite side of the Caspian Sea.
Russia's Ria news agency said the plane took off at 2119 (1819 GMT) but fell off radar screens 20 minutes later.
It is reported to have come down near the village of Kyurdakhany, about 15km (10 miles) from Baku, Ria said.
The Associated Press news agency described the plane as an An-140 twin engine turboprop.
An operations centre was set up near the Caspian coastline some 20km (13 miles) north of Baku, AP reported.
There was no immediate confirmation of casualties, but 18 passengers and five crew were thought to be on board.
The aircraft was heading to Aktau in Kazakhstan on the opposite side of the Caspian Sea.
Russia's Ria news agency said the plane took off at 2119 (1819 GMT) but fell off radar screens 20 minutes later.
It is reported to have come down near the village of Kyurdakhany, about 15km (10 miles) from Baku, Ria said.
The Associated Press news agency described the plane as an An-140 twin engine turboprop.
An operations centre was set up near the Caspian coastline some 20km (13 miles) north of Baku, AP reported.
