Antonov An-24 Plane Crashes in Russia’s Far East, 50 Feared Dead.
Moscow:
In a devastating aviation tragedy, an Antonov An-24 passenger aircraft carrying nearly 50 people crashed in Russia’s far eastern Amur region on Thursday. Initial reports from Russian emergency services suggest that there are no survivors.
The aircraft, a Soviet-era plane built in 1976, was operated by Angara Airlines — a Siberia-based regional carrier. It was on a scheduled domestic flight from the city of Blagoveshchensk to Tynda, a remote town near the Russian-Chinese border, when it suddenly disappeared from radar screens during its final approach.
Emergency service officials confirmed that a burning fuselage of the aircraft was spotted by a Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Russia’s aviation authority, Rossaviatsiya. The wreckage was found in a densely forested area approximately 15 kilometers from Tynda. Unverified footage circulating on social media, reportedly taken from a rescue helicopter, shows charred debris scattered in a wooded hillside.
“During the search operation, a Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire,” said an emergency services official. “Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident.”
According to preliminary data shared by Vasily Orlov, Governor of the Amur region, the aircraft was carrying 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members — bringing the total to 49 people on board. However, Russia’s Emergencies Ministry has cited a slightly lower figure of around 40 people.
Debris from the aircraft was located on a hillside, with rescue operations hindered by the dense forest and difficult terrain. Rescue teams are on foot due to inaccessibility by road or larger vehicles.
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. While the exact cause of the crash is not yet known, factors such as possible technical failure, weather conditions, or pilot error will be examined. Aviation experts have pointed out the age of the aircraft as a potential concern. The Antonov An-24, developed in the 1950s and widely used across the Soviet Union and its successor states, is no longer in service in many parts of the world due to safety issues.
The crash has once again raised questions about the use of aging aircraft in Russia’s remote regions where modern replacements are often not economically viable.
This tragedy adds to the long list of aviation incidents involving outdated aircraft in difficult terrains, highlighting the urgent need for modernization of regional fleets. The Russian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding compensation or further investigative measures.
