A Soviet-era Antonov An-24 aircraft operated by Angara Airlines crashed on July 24, 2025, near the city of Tynda in Russia’s Amur Region, resulting in the deaths of all 48 people on board. The twin turboprop aircraft, built in 1976, was on a domestic flight from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda when it went down during its second landing attempt in foggy conditions.

According to authorities, the aircraft vanished from radar before being discovered on fire in a remote forested area about 15 kilometers south of the Tynda airport. Rescue crews reached the site after cutting through dense forest, only to confirm that all 42 passengers and 6 crew members had perished. Among the dead were five children.

The flight was operating on a challenging route in Russia’s Far East, a region known for difficult terrain and harsh weather. Russian investigators have launched a criminal case into suspected violations of air safety regulations. Early inquiries are examining whether the crash was caused by pilot error, mechanical failure, or adverse weather conditions.

This accident has renewed concerns over the continued use of aging Soviet-designed aircraft in Russia, especially amid ongoing international sanctions that have limited access to modern aircraft parts and replacements. Angara Airlines reportedly operates 10 An-24 aircraft, all built in the 1970s. The airline had sought to extend the operating life of the aging fleet as domestic aircraft production faced delays.

The Antonov An-24, first flown in 1959, was once a staple of Soviet aviation. Around 1,340 units were produced, but only about 75 remain in active service globally. Aviation safety experts have long warned about the growing risks associated with keeping such old aircraft operational.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the tragedy and expressed condolences to the victims' families. A three-day mourning period was declared in the Amur Region, and flags were lowered to half-mast. Chinese President Xi Jinping also conveyed sympathy, as one Chinese national is believed to be among the victims.

This is the deadliest civilian aviation disaster in Russia since 2021 and is likely to intensify pressure on regional carriers to modernize their fleets and improve safety protocols. Authorities have dispatched a federal commission to investigate the incident thoroughly, while rescue teams continue recovering bodies and wreckage from the crash site.