Fatal Plane Crash in Russia’s Far East Claims Lives of All 48 Onboard

A catastrophic accident involving an Antonov An‑24 turboprop aircraft in Russia’s remote Amur region has resulted in the loss of all 48 people on board, including five crew members. The aircraft, operated by Angara Airlines, was en route from Khabarovsk to Tynda with a stopover in Blagoveshchensk, when it disappeared from radar during a second approach to Tynda Airport amid poor weather conditions.

According to Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, the aircraft lost radar contact approximately 15 kilometers south of Tynda. Initial reports indicate the crew had aborted the first landing attempt due to limited visibility and was on a go-around when the aircraft went down in mountainous terrain. Wreckage was later discovered in a forested area, engulfed in flames, with no signs of survivors.

Eyewitnesses and preliminary ATC communications suggest the aircraft encountered significant meteorological challenges, including low cloud cover and moderate turbulence, which may have affected the approach path and situational awareness.

The Antonov An‑24 involved in the accident was manufactured in the 1970s, part of a fleet still operating in several remote Russian regions due to its rugged design and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities.