Azerbaijan Airlines Flight A-56 was a domestic flight that faced critical challenges as it approached Nakhchivan International Airport. On that fateful day, the aircraft, a Tupolev Tu-154, was descending in adverse weather conditions which included low visibility and possibly heavy fog. Despite the crew's efforts to communicate with air traffic control, the aircraft crashed approximately five kilometers from the runway during its final approach. The impact resulted in the loss of all 52 individuals onboard.

The incident raised concerns over aviation safety standards within Azerbaijan, especially in light of the country's turbulent political landscape following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Investigations were launched to determine the cause of the crash, with factors such as pilot error, mechanical failure, and inadequate safety protocols being examined. The consequences of the accident led to heightened scrutiny of airline operations within the region.

In the months following the crash, the aviation authority implemented a series of regulatory changes aimed at improving safety measures and training programs for aviation personnel. Moreover, this event placed a spotlight on the need for modernization of the country's aviation infrastructure, which had lagged behind international standards since the country's independence in 1991.