By [kishore]
Published: July 24, 2025
A catastrophic aviation disaster struck Russia's far eastern Amur region on Thursday, July 24, 2025, when an Antonov An-24 passenger plane operated by Siberia-based Angara Airlines crashed, claiming the lives of all 49 people on board. The tragedy, which occurred near the town of Tynda close to the Chinese border, has sparked an urgent investigation into its causes, with early reports pointing to possible crew error in challenging weather conditions.
Incident Overview
The Antonov An-24, a Soviet-era turboprop aircraft, was en route from Khabarovsk to Tynda, with a stopover in Blagoveshchensk. According to Amur Oblast governor Vasily Orlov, the flight carried 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members, totaling 49 individuals. The plane disappeared from radar during its final approach to Tynda airport, prompting immediate concern from air traffic controllers.
Rescue teams, mobilized swiftly after the loss of contact, located the wreckage approximately 15 kilometers from Tynda. A Russian civil aviation helicopter spotted the burning fuselage on a mountainside, with footage from the scene showing dense smoke and flames engulfing the debris in rugged, wooded terrain. The Russian emergencies ministry confirmed the plane's complete destruction, with no signs of survivors, marking this as one of the deadliest aviation incidents in the region in recent years.
Preliminary Investigation
Initial inquiries, as reported by Russia's Tass news agency, suggest that the crash occurred during a second landing attempt after an unsuccessful initial approach, likely due to poor visibility caused by adverse weather conditions. The aircraft failed to report at a checkpoint during this second attempt, raising questions about navigational or operational errors. While crew error is a leading hypothesis, investigators are also considering technical malfunctions or a combination of factors. The ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity on the precise cause of the tragedy.
The Antonov An-24, developed in the 1950s, remains a workhorse for regional flights in Russia, particularly in remote areas like Siberia and the Far East. While known for its reliability, the aircraft's age and operational demands in challenging environments have raised concerns about its continued use.
Angara Airlines' Safety Record
Angara Airlines, established in 2000 and based in Irkutsk, operates primarily in Siberia, serving domestic routes and one international flight to Manzhouli, China. The airline, owned by the Irkut Corporation, has faced scrutiny over its safety record, particularly with its fleet of Antonov An-24 aircraft. Notable past incidents include:
- July 11, 2011: Angara Airlines Flight 9007, an Antonov An-24, ditched into the Ob River after an engine fire during a flight from Tomsk to Surgut. Seven of the 37 people on board perished. Investigations revealed maintenance lapses, with charges filed against airline officials for non-compliance with Russian regulations.
- June 27, 2019: Angara Airlines Flight 200, another An-24, suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff from Nizhneangarsk. The aircraft skidded off the runway during an emergency landing, collided with a building, and caught fire, killing the captain and flight engineer. Many of the 43 passengers sustained injuries.
These incidents, documented by sources such as Wikipedia and AeroInside, underscore recurring safety challenges for Angara Airlines, particularly with the aging An-24 fleet. The airline's operations in remote regions, where infrastructure is limited and weather conditions can be severe, add to the operational risks.
Response and Recovery Efforts
Governor Orlov announced via Telegram that all available search and rescue resources were deployed immediately following the crash. The Amur region's rugged terrain and proximity to the Chinese border posed significant challenges to the response efforts. The Russian emergencies ministry and civil aviation authorities worked in coordination to locate the wreckage and assess the scene.
Families of the victims have been notified, and support services are being provided to assist them during this tragic time. The recovery of remains and debris is ongoing, with authorities prioritizing a thorough investigation to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.
Broader Implications
This crash adds to ongoing concerns about aviation safety in Russia, particularly for regional carriers operating older aircraft in remote areas. The Antonov An-24, while historically reliable, has been involved in multiple accidents, raising questions about maintenance standards and the suitability of aging aircraft for modern operations. Angara Airlines' history of incidents further amplifies these concerns, prompting calls for stricter oversight and modernization of regional fleets.
The international aviation community may also take note, as Angara Airlines has been banned from EU airspace since 2022 due to broader restrictions on Russian carriers. This tragedy could lead to increased scrutiny of Russia's regional aviation sector and its safety protocols.
Passenger and Crew Count Verification
There was some initial discrepancy in reported passenger numbers, with sources citing figures between 40 and 50 people on board. The following table summarizes the reported counts:
| Source | Total People on Board | Passengers | Crew | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amur Oblast governor, Vasily Orlov | 49 | 43 | 6 | Includes 5 children |
| Russian Emergency Ministry | 40 | - | - | Initial estimate, lower figure |
| Interfax/Reuters | Around 50 | - | - | Close to 49, possibly rounded |
| The Independent | 50 | - | - | Aligns with 49, slight variance |
The governor's figure of 49 (43 passengers, including 5 children, and 6 crew) is considered the most authoritative, as it aligns with the majority of reports and official statements.
Conclusion
The crash of Angara Airlines Flight 2G-8275 on July 24, 2025, is a profound tragedy that has left a lasting impact on the Amur region and the broader aviation community. With all 49 people on board feared dead, the incident highlights the challenges of operating aging aircraft in remote and harsh environments. As investigations proceed, authorities and the airline face mounting pressure to address safety concerns and prevent future tragedies. The thoughts of the global community are with the families and loved ones of those lost in this devastating event.
Other sources:
- Wikipedia - 2025 Angara Airlines Antonov An-24 crash
- Al Jazeera - Debris of plane with 49 people aboard found in Russia's far east
- Reuters - Russian plane with nearly 50 aboard goes missing in country's east
- The Moscow Times - Passenger Plane Crash in Russia's Far East Kills All 49 on Board
- Wikipedia - Angara Airlines
- AeroInside - Air safety incidents for Angara Airlines
- BBC - Wreckage found after plane carrying 49 people goes down in Russian far east
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