A tragic air disaster struck Russia’s Far East on Thursday when an Antonov An-24 passenger plane, operated by Angara Airlines, crashed en route to Tynda in the Amur region near the Chinese border. Initial reports from Russian emergency services suggest that all 50 people on board may have perished in the crash.
Details of the Crash
The Soviet-era Antonov An-24 aircraft, built in 1976, was carrying 43 passengers—including five children—and six crew members. The plane took off from the city of Blagoveshchensk but suddenly disappeared from radar screens while approaching its destination, Tynda.
A Mi-8 helicopter from Rossaviatsiya located the burning fuselage of the plane in a densely forested area about 15 kilometers (10 miles) from Tynda. Rescue teams are currently battling difficult terrain to reach the crash site.
Witness Accounts and Unverified Videos
Unverified video footage, captured from a helicopter and circulating on social media, shows the charred remains of the aircraft engulfed in flames in a remote forest area. Emergency official Yuliya Petina confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing despite challenging conditions.
Age of the Aircraft Raises Concerns
The Antonov An-24, almost 50 years old, was a workhorse from the Soviet era. Its age and operational safety have now come under scrutiny following the disaster. The plane was operated by the Siberia-based airline Angara, which services many remote regions in Russia.
Official Statements
Vasily Orlov, the regional governor of Amur, confirmed that 49 people were onboard, while the emergencies ministry put the number closer to 40. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
“During the search operation, a Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire,” said Yuliya Petina. “Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident.”
Ongoing Rescue and Investigation Efforts
Russian authorities have dispatched additional emergency teams, including specialized investigators, to the remote crash site. The cause of the accident remains unknown, though mechanical failure or extreme weather conditions are being considered as possible factors.
A Grim Reminder of Aviation Safety Challenges
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining older aircraft that still operate in remote parts of Russia. Aviation experts have previously warned that aging fleets, coupled with harsh regional conditions, increase the risk of accidents.