A passenger plane carrying nearly 50 people has crashed in Russia’s remote far eastern region of Amur, and early findings show no sign of survivors.
The aircraft, which lost contact during its second attempt to land, was later discovered burning on a forest-covered slope near Tynda.
The Russia plane crash has triggered urgent investigations and rescue missions, with authorities racing against time to reach the difficult site.
A rescue helicopter, sent after the flight vanished from radar, found the wreckage engulfed in smoke about 16 kilometres from the airport.
Disturbing footage released by investigators shows thick smoke rising from what’s left of the aircraft in a dense forest.
According to local emergency services, “The main search operations are being conducted from the air,” due to the challenging terrain.
The Antonov-24 aircraft was operated by Angara Airlines and was en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda when it disappeared around 1:00 pm local time.
Initial reports say the crash occurred after the crew circled back for a second landing attempt.
“While approaching Tynda Airport, the aircraft went around for a second landing, after which contact was lost,” the Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor’s Office confirmed.
Furthermore, the plane had 43 passengers and six crew members onboard, including five children, as confirmed by Governor Vassily Orlov.
Conflicting reports by state media later noted that 40 passengers were on the manifest. However, both statements reflect a devastating toll.
In addition, local rescue teams have been dispatched by the region’s civil defence agency, which noted, “At the moment, 25 people and five units of equipment have been dispatched, and four aircraft with crews are on standby.”
The cause of the crash has not been confirmed. Investigators are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Meanwhile, the aircraft’s age has raised further questions.
TASS news agency reported, “In 2021, the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate was extended until 2036,” despite it being nearly 50 years old.
While the country has pushed for more modern fleets, many old Soviet-designed planes like the Antonov-24 still operate in remote regions where modern replacements are scarce. The aircraft type first entered service in 1959.
Angara Airlines, a regional airline based in Irkutsk, has yet to release an official statement regarding the crash.
