A Russian Antonov An-24 passenger plane carrying 49 people crashed on July 24, 2025, in a remote forested area of the Amur region in Russia's Far East, officials confirmed. The aircraft, operated by Angara Airlines, lost contact with air traffic control shortly before reaching its destination, the town of Tynda, after departing from Blagoveshchensk near the Russian-Chinese border. The wreckage was discovered burning on a forested mountain slope approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Tynda by a rescue helicopter, with no signs of survivors reported by rescue teams.
Regional governor Vasily Orlov stated that the plane had 43 passengers on board, including five children, along with six crew members. The aircraft disappeared during an attempted second landing in conditions described as poor visibility. According to Russian emergency services, over 50 people and multiple pieces of equipment have been deployed in the search and rescue operation. However, the dense forest terrain has hindered access, making aerial efforts the primary means of approaching the crash site.
Preliminary investigations suggest an error during the landing attempt may have contributed to the tragedy. The intensive search efforts are ongoing, with ground teams being dispatched alongside helicopters and aircraft standing by. Angara Airlines, based in Irkutsk, has not immediately commented on the incident.
This devastating accident adds to concerns about aviation safety in Russia's remote regions, where challenging weather and difficult terrain regularly complicate flights.
Key Facts:
- Aircraft: Antonov An-24 operated by Angara Airlines
- Route: Blagoveshchensk to Tynda, Amur Region
- People on board: 43 passengers (including 5 children), 6 crew members
- Lost contact during second landing attempt in poor visibility
- Wreckage found burning in forest approx. 16 km from Tynda
- No survivors found as per rescue helicopter reports
- Over 50 rescue personnel deployed, with aerial and ground search ongoing
- Investigation into cause centered on landing error in bad weather
