A horrific plane crash in Russia’s remote Amur region has claimed the lives of all 49 people onboard, according to authorities. The aircraft went down near the town of Tynda, turning what should have been a routine flight into a national tragedy
Highlights:
- 49 people, including five children, were on board
- The plane crashed during a second landing attempt near Tynda
- Poor visibility and pilot error are suspected
- The aircraft was an ageing Soviet-era Antonov An‑24
- Rescue teams found the wreckage in flames on a forested slope
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A passenger aircraft operated by Angara Airlines crashed on Thursday, July 24, in Russia’s far eastern Amur region. The plane, an Antonov An‑24 built in the 1970s, was carrying 43 passengers and 6 crew members from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda. Among those on board were five children.
The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control while making a second attempt to land at Tynda Airport in poor weather conditions. A rescue helicopter located the wreckage on a mountainside roughly 15 kilometres south of the airport. Emergency services confirmed that all 49 people on board had died, with the aircraft found engulfed in flames.
Authorities suspect that low visibility due to heavy fog and potential human error contributed to the crash. However, they are also exploring whether mechanical failure may have played a role. The aircraft’s age has raised concerns, as it was nearing five decades in service and flying in one of Russia’s most challenging regions.
This marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Russia in recent years, reviving debate around the use of older aircraft, especially in remote areas where access to newer models and parts is limited. Sanctions have made it harder for Russian airlines to maintain or upgrade their fleets, particularly in less populated regions like Amur.
In places where the skies are rough and planes are old, every flight carries more than just passengers it carries risk.
