Moscow, July 24 - On the evening of July 24, 2025, a tragic aviation incident unfolded in Russia’s Amur Region when an Antonov An-24 passenger aircraft, operated by Angara Airlines, lost communication with air traffic control. The plane, carrying 40 passengers including two children and six crew members, was en route to Tynda Airport when it vanished from radar during a second landing attempt. The initial approach had proven unsuccessful, and subsequent reports confirmed the discovery of the aircraft’s wreckage approximately 15 kilometers from the airport, scattered across a forested slope. The Russian emergencies ministry reported that the plane was heavily damaged, with no survivors expected, marking a somber moment in the region’s aviation history.
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The Antonov An-24, a twin-turboprop aircraft designed in the late 1950s by the Soviet Union’s Antonov Design Bureau, was built to serve short- to medium-haul routes, particularly in remote areas with unpaved runways. First flown in 1959, the aircraft was produced in over 1,000 units, with many variants deployed across the Commonwealth of Independent States and parts of Africa. The specific aircraft involved in this crash, constructed in 1976, exemplifies the aging fleet still in use by some regional carriers. Its rugged design once made it a reliable choice for challenging environments, but its age raises questions about maintenance and operational safety, especially as newer technologies have emerged.
Angara Airlines, based in Irkutsk, has relied on such Soviet-era aircraft to connect Siberia and other remote Russian regions, as well as maintain a single international route to Manzhouli, China. Established in 2000 under the Irkut Corporation’s aircraft repair factory, the airline has faced logistical challenges in updating its fleet. Economic sanctions and geopolitical tensions have complicated efforts to acquire modern aircraft, leaving operators dependent on older models like the An-24. This incident marks the first fatal passenger aviation accident in Russia since 2021, when another Antonov model, the An-26, crashed near Palana, killing all 28 onboard. Such events underscore the ongoing difficulties in maintaining a safe and modern aviation infrastructure in Russia’s vast and isolated territories.
Investigations into the crash are likely to focus on the circumstances surrounding the second landing attempt and the aircraft’s condition. The rugged terrain of the Amur Region, combined with potential weather challenges, may have contributed to the accident. Historical data on similar aircraft suggests that mechanical issues or pilot decision-making in adverse conditions could be factors. The An-24’s continued operation in such environments highlights a broader challenge: balancing the need for regional connectivity with the risks posed by aging technology. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, authorities will work to determine the exact cause, providing critical insights into improving aviation safety in Russia’s far east. The loss of 46 lives serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in relying on decades-old aircraft, prompting calls for accelerated modernization efforts despite economic and political constraints.