In one of the deadliest aviation disasters of 2025, a Russian Antonov-24 passenger aircraft crashed near Tynda in the far eastern Amur region on July 24, killing all 48 people on board. The aircraft, operated by Angara Airlines, was on a routine domestic flight from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda when it lost contact with air traffic control during its final approach.
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| Tragedy in Russia: Angara Airlines Antonov-24 Crashes Near Tynda, Killing All Onboard |
The incident has shocked the nation and sparked international concern over the safety of older Soviet-era aircraft still in operation across Russia. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the crash, citing poor weather conditions and potential crew error as possible causes
The Flight and the Final Moments
The ill-fated aircraft was a twin-engine Antonov An-24, first introduced in the 1960s. It departed from Blagoveshchensk and was scheduled to land at Tynda Airport. On its initial approach, the crew aborted the landing due to low visibility caused by adverse weather conditions.
Eyewitness accounts and radar data confirm the aircraft made a second landing attempt before disappearing from radar approximately 16 kilometers from the runway. Hours later, emergency crews discovered the wreckage in a dense forested area of mountainous terrain. Rescue teams confirmed that there were no survivors.
Victims and Crew Onboard
The aircraft was carrying 48 people, including 42 passengers and six crew members. The passenger list included children, a well-known thoracic surgeon, schoolteachers, and families traveling for personal and professional reasons.
A shocking revelation emerged that the co-pilot, Kirill Plaksin, was due to appear in court on the same day of the crash over a prior incident involving refusal to undergo a mandatory narcotics test. Whether this fact had any bearing on the flight’s outcome remains under investigation.
Possible Causes: Human Error or Technical Failure?
Preliminary reports from Russia’s Investigative Committee indicate that the crash may have been the result of crew misjudgment in poor visibility conditions. The aircraft was conducting a non-precision approach without adequate visibility when it descended below the minimum safe altitude.
However, the investigation is also examining the technical condition of the aircraft, which was built in 1976. Despite being nearly 50 years old, the plane had a valid airworthiness certificate extended until 2036. Aviation experts are questioning the integrity of such extensions for aging aircraft, particularly in regions where spare parts and advanced maintenance are difficult to secure due to international sanctions.
Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny
This crash has brought renewed attention to Russia’s aviation safety standards, particularly regarding the operation of Soviet-era planes in remote regions like Siberia and the Far East. Angara Airlines, a regional carrier based in Irkutsk, has come under fire for continuing to operate outdated aircraft in challenging environments with limited ground navigation support.
Due to sanctions imposed by Western countries, Russian airlines face significant difficulty procuring newer aircraft models and essential spare parts from companies like Boeing and Airbus. This has forced many domestic carriers to rely on older models such as the Antonov series, raising serious concerns about their continued airworthiness.
The Russian government has also faced criticism for not investing in modern navigation and weather monitoring infrastructure in remote airports, which could have prevented this tragedy.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Following the crash, Russian emergency response teams, military units, and local volunteers launched a massive search-and-rescue operation. Despite the challenging terrain and weather conditions, the wreckage was located within 24 hours.
President Vladimir Putin was briefed immediately after the incident and offered his condolences to the families of the victims. A three-day mourning period was declared in the Amur region, with flags flown at half-mast and memorial services organized in towns affected by the tragedy.
Authorities have vowed a transparent investigation, promising to hold those responsible accountable if negligence or mismanagement is found.
The Future of Regional Aviation in Russia
This devastating crash has reignited debate over the future of regional aviation in Russia. With international sanctions limiting access to modern aviation technology and spare parts, regional carriers continue to operate older aircraft under increasingly difficult conditions.
Experts believe that unless urgent action is taken—such as fleet modernization, improved pilot training, and investment in aviation infrastructure—such tragedies may occur again.
There is also growing advocacy for a shift in domestic aviation policy, including stricter safety regulations, better oversight of maintenance practices, and phase-out plans for aircraft that no longer meet international safety standards.