A tragic aviation disaster has struck Russia’s Far East, where a passenger plane carrying nearly 50 people crashed near the town of Tynda in the Amur region. The aircraft, identified as a Soviet-era Antonov An-24 turboprop operated by Angara Airlines, went down approximately 15 kilometers from Tynda Airport. According to initial reports, the plane disappeared from radar during a second attempt to land in difficult weather conditions. Rescue teams dispatched to the crash site discovered the wreckage engulfed in flames in a remote, forested hillside area, suggesting there were no survivors.
The aircraft was reportedly carrying 43 passengers—including five children—and six crew members at the time of the crash. While the exact number of people onboard varies slightly in early reports, authorities confirm that all those aboard are feared dead. Eyewitnesses and aerial surveillance teams noted that the debris was widely scattered and still burning when rescuers arrived, which has made access and recovery efforts extremely challenging. The crash site lies in rugged terrain with swampy and mountainous surroundings, adding further complications for emergency personnel.
Officials believe the crash may have been caused by human error amid poor visibility during landing, though a full investigation is currently underway. Technical failure related to the aircraft’s age is also under consideration. The Antonov An-24, built in 1976, has long been a workhorse of regional air travel in Russia but has faced increasing scrutiny due to its outdated systems and lack of modern safety features. Sanctions in recent years have also limited Russia’s access to spare parts, raising concerns about maintenance standards for older aircraft still in operation.
President Vladimir Putin has been informed of the incident, and Russia’s federal transport safety and emergency agencies have launched a formal investigation. The tragedy has reignited concerns over the continued use of aging Soviet-era aircraft and the broader safety record of regional carriers operating in harsh and remote parts of the country. As the nation mourns this devastating loss, questions are now being raised about whether more should be done to modernize Russia’s domestic aviation fleet and prevent such disasters in the fut
