Summary
- A Russian Antonov An-24 crashed on July 24, 2025, in the Amur region’s far east.
- Nearly 50 people were on board, including five children.
- The plane disappeared from radar near Tynda during landing approach.
- The burning wreck was found in a dense forest by helicopter teams.
- No distress signals or technical problems were reported before the crash.
- Rescue efforts continue amid difficult weather and rough terrain.
- The aircraft was almost 50 years old but reportedly certified.
- Russian officials confirmed all passengers are presumed dead.
- Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.
- Support services are aiding affected families in the region.
A plane carrying nearly 50 people crashed in Russia’s far east, with no survivors expected according to preliminary official reports. The Antonov An-24, operated by Angara Airlines, went off radar during its approach to the town of Tynda, Amur region. Crews found the burning fuselage minutes after the disappearance, and search-and-rescue operations continue amid difficult terrain and weather conditions.
What Happened to the Angara Airlines Flight in Russia?
As reported by The Washington Post, citing Russian emergency services, the Angara Airlines Antonov An-24 was carrying nearly 50 people including 43 passengers and six crew members when it vanished from radar on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Among the passengers were five children, according to statements relayed by Amur regional governor Vasily Orlov via Telegram.
The incident occurred as the aircraft neared Tynda—a town near the border with China—where it was making a scheduled landing. The Wall Street Journal added that the aircraft "vanished from radar" as it attempted to land, with no survivors anticipated based on initial observations from the scene.
The New York Times reported that after the plane lost communication with the tower during its landing approach, search efforts were launched immediately. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, as well as regional prosecutors, confirmed that the wreckage was found less than an hour later by a helicopter team. State-run Rossiya-24 TV cited rescuers who described the site as a wooded area near the base of a mountain, about 10 miles from Tynda.
Was there any distress call or sign of malfunction?
Quoting a source from the Tass news agency, The New York Times and Reuters reported that there was no distress signal from the cockpit before the aircraft disappeared, and no preliminary technical issues were reported. The Wall Street Journal corroborated that based on the timeline and communications data, the crash occurred abruptly, raising questions about possible weather or environmental factors.
How Many People Were on Board and Who Was Operating the Flight?
The regional emergencies ministry, as cited by ABC News and NBC News, stated that early reports placed "about 50 individuals" on the ill-fated flight, though estimates varied slightly as new details emerged—other sources said between 42 and 49 people, with five children included in the list of passengers.
Angara Airlines, a small, privately operated carrier based in Irkutsk, was operating the Antonov An-24. The New York Times noted that the aircraft, first manufactured in 1976, was formerly used by Aeroflot, the Soviet Union’s national airline. This detail, highlighted by Reuters, raises routine questions about the continued safety and maintenance of aging Soviet-era equipment, even though Tass cited aviation officials stating the plane was fully certified.
What Do We Know About the Conditions and Rescue Efforts?
As reported by Reuters and the New York Times, the wreckage of the aircraft was discovered in a heavily forested, mountainous region. Footage posted by authorities showed smoke rising from the crash site, and officials said that both ground and air rescue teams were mobilized—despite strong winds and dense tree cover making access difficult. Governor Orlov emphasized that all necessary emergency forces had been deployed to the scene, but as of reporting, the harsh environment was hindering prompt recovery.
Sky News and Al Jazeera both noted that, due to terrain and weather, helicopter teams were the first to spot the burning debris, with ground-based first responders working to reach the site.
Was the Aircraft Old or Properly Maintained?
Reuters contributed additional context on the plane’s age, noting that it was "manufactured nearly 50 years ago" and, according to aviation records, last updated after its service with Aeroflot ended in the early 1990s. Angara Airlines, responsible for the flight, is known primarily for short-haul operations across remote regions of Siberia and the Russian far east.
Aviation sources cited by The New York Times and Reuters clarified that, at the time of the crash, the Antonov An-24 was “fully certified” and maintained regularly. However, the fact that no mechanical problems were reported before the incident has led to speculation about pilot error, weather, or other unexpected issues as contributing factors.
What Did Russian Authorities and Airlines Say?
According to the Washington Post, regional governor Vasily Orlov promptly announced on Telegram that:
“The passenger plane operated by Angara Airlines disappeared from radar while approaching Tynda. All necessary forces and means have been deployed”.
The local emergencies ministry updated operational status throughout the day, ultimately confirming the worst fears for those on board.
In statements collected by NBC News, Russian emergency officials and Angara Airlines representatives said they were cooperating fully with investigators and that their thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all those on board.
Are there official investigations or international responses?
Reuters, referencing comments from several Russian government sources, indicated that a formal investigation into the crash has begun, with aviation authorities gathering flight recorders, crew logs, and maintenance histories for review. No immediate comments were available from the federal Ministry of Transportation beyond statements expressing condolences.
Were children on the ill-fated flight?
Multiple sources, including Governor Orlov as reported in The Washington Post, New York Times, and ABC News, confirmed the presence of five children aboard. The community of Tynda and the wider Amur region have begun organizing support for the families, with emergency counseling services mobilized by local authorities.
As detailed by NBC News and Reuters, rescue organizations have set up information centers near the crash site and in Tynda’s regional hub. Family members are being notified and provided with support as search and recovery operations progress.
Are older Soviet-era planes still considered safe in Russia?
The New York Times noted that while many carriers still rely on Antonov and Tupolev aircraft dating back decades, the safety record has improved in recent years, largely due to improved maintenance and regulatory oversight. However, the advanced age of this aircraft model in remote, sparsely populated regions presents ongoing concern among international experts.
Reuters added that as Russia’s aviation sector continues to use such planes for critical rural and regional connections, each crash highlights the challenges of modernizing the fleet amid economic and logistical constraints.
As of the time of reporting, the investigation continues, with Russian authorities pledging full transparency. All major global news outlets, including The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, The New York Times, NBC News, and ABC News, agree that the coming days will see ongoing recovery operations and mounting scrutiny on aviation safety in Russia’s most remote areas. President Vladimir Putin’s office has yet to issue a formal statement.