What was supposed to be a routine flight ended in heartbreak today as a passenger plane carrying 49 people crashed in Russia’s Far East.
The incident took place in a rugged, hard-to-reach area near the small town of Tynda, and early reports suggest that no one survived.
Plane Disappears Just Miles from Tynda Airport
The aircraft, an An-24 twin-turboprop operated by Angara Airlines, vanished from radar just a few kilometres away from its intended destination — Tynda airport in the Amur region.
According to Russian state media, the pilots had to circle the airport after an initial failed landing attempt, and were making a second approach when communication was suddenly lost.
There had been no distress call or report of technical trouble, but visibility was reportedly poor and the surrounding area is known for its harsh, mountainous terrain and thick forest cover.
Wreckage Discovered in Flames on a Mountainside
Confirmation of the crash came shortly afterward when emergency helicopters located the burned remains of the aircraft.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that one of their Mi-8 helicopters spotted the fuselage engulfed in flames, roughly 16 kilometres (10 miles) from Tynda.
Rescue teams were immediately sent to the site, but early information suggests there were no survivors.
All 49 On Board Believed Dead, Including Children
The plane was carrying 49 individuals, including six crew members.
Heartbreakingly, five of the passengers were children.
Though officials have yet to confirm the final death toll, Russian news agency RIA Novosti has cited emergency sources saying it’s unlikely anyone made it out alive.
Tynda’s Remote Location Adds to Rescue Challenges
Tynda isn’t easy to reach under the best of circumstances.
The isolated town sits more than 5,000 kilometres (about 3,200 miles) east of Moscow and lies just under 300 kilometres from Russia’s border with China.
The difficult landscape has made the search and rescue efforts even more challenging.
Governor Vasily Orlov of the Amur region issued a statement confirming that air ambulances and rescue teams were mobilized immediately.
He also urged the public not to spread unverified information and assured families that all available resources were being deployed.
Emergency Hotline Opened for Families
The Ministry of Emergency Situations has set up a hotline for families of those on board.
While the situation remains grim, authorities are focused on recovery efforts and providing answers to the grieving relatives.
Aged Aircraft Raises Safety Concerns
The crashed plane was an An-24, a design dating back to the Soviet era of the late 1950s.
Although originally a transport aircraft, the model has been adapted for civilian use and is still commonly flown in Russia’s more remote regions — despite the country’s spotty aviation safety record.
According to local media, the specific aircraft involved in the crash was nearly 50 years old.
Surprisingly, it had recently received an extension on its airworthiness certification, now valid through 2036.