Antonov An-24 Plane Crash in Russia's Far East Leaves 50 Feared Dead

In a tragic incident on Thursday, July 24, 2025, an Antonov An-24 passenger plane, operated by Angara Airlines, crashed in Russia's far east, carrying approximately 50 individuals. Emergency services confirmed that all passengers and crew members are feared deceased. The aircraft was en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda when it disappeared from radar while preparing for landing. Preliminary reports indicate there were 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members aboard the flight, though the federal government cited 42 passengers.

The crash occurred in a densely forested area, approximately 15 kilometers from Tynda, where debris was located by an Mi-8 helicopter dispatched by Rossaviatsiya, the Russian aviation authority. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence revealed the aircraft's burning fuselage, emphasizing the severity of the incident.

The Antonov An-24, a Soviet-era aircraft, has been characterized as a reliable workhorse in the Russian aviation industry. Built in 1976, the plane had previously been operated by Aeroflot, the Soviet Union's national airline, before the country's dissolution in 1991. Despite its age, Angara Airlines, based in Irkutsk, continues to utilize these aircraft, which are known for their capability to operate in harsh Siberian conditions without requiring conventional runways. Currently, Angara Airlines operates 10 An-24s, all manufactured between 1972 and 1976.

Vasily Orlov, the governor of the Amur region, detailed that debris from the plane had been discovered on a hillside, prompting the emergency services ministry to initiate search operations. As rescue teams work to reach the site, the Kremlin has announced the formation of a commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. President Vladimir Putin has been informed of the developments.

The crash raises significant concerns regarding the aging fleet of regional airlines in Russia, many of which are increasingly reliant on Soviet-era aircraft due to sanctions that have limited access to modern aviation technology and parts. The maintenance costs for these aging planes have surged, compounding the challenges faced by airline executives and pilots. Experts have noted that while the Antonovs have historically been dependable, the prolonged use of such old aircraft poses escalating risks.

Industry sources indicate that the mass production of a new aircraft model, the Ladoga, is not anticipated to commence until at least 2027, exacerbating the dependency on older planes. The combination of limited manufacturing capabilities and the ongoing geopolitical issues has placed the future of regional air travel in a precarious position.

As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, the incident highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive review of aviation safety protocols and the operational viability of aging aircraft in Russia's challenging environment. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by regional airlines operating outdated fleets amidst a rapidly evolving global aviation landscape.