Safa Akhundov

Safa Fatulla oghly Akhundov (Səfa Fətulla oğlu Axundov) (19 June 1958, Masallı, Azerbaijan SSR - 1992, Shusha, Azerbaijan) was the National Hero of Azerbaijan and warrior during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War.

Early life and education
Akhundov was born on June 19, 1958, in Masalli Rayon of Azerbaijan SSR. He received his first education in Saatli, then moved to Jalilabad, where he continued his education. In 1979 he graduated from Buquruslan Civil Aviation School.

Personal life
Akhundov was married and had two children.

Nagorno-Karabakh war
In 1987, Akhundov returned to Azerbaijan from Riga when the initial conflicts started between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In 1989, he was appointed the first officer of Zabrat “Azalaero” Mi-8 helicopter Company.

In January 1992, he carried out several flights to Shusha. His aircraft was hit by Armenians on January 28, 1992, during the next Aghdam-Shusha flight.

Honors
Safa Fatulla oghly Akhundov was posthumously awarded the title of the "National Hero of Azerbaijan" by Presidential Decree No. 337 dated 25 November 1992.

He was buried at a Martyrs' Lane cemetery in Baku.