Russian Plane Crash: Outdated Jet Kills 49 Flyers

A nearly 50-year-old Russian passenger plane crashed in the country’s far east on Thursday, with all 49 people on board feared dead. The aircraft, an Antonov An-24 operated by Angara Airlines, was on a domestic flight from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda when it disappeared from radar during its final approach.

The wreckage was found in a densely forested area about 15 kilometers from Tynda, with emergency responders confirming the fuselage was on fire. Onboard were 43 passengers, including five children, along with six crew members. Rescue crews were making their way through difficult terrain to reach the crash site.

Built in 1976 during the Soviet era, the plane had served under the Soviet flag carrier before being transferred to Angara, a Siberian-based regional airline. The airline operates several Antonov aircraft of similar age, which are known for their durability in extreme conditions but have become increasingly costly to maintain.

The crash has triggered a federal investigation. Authorities are examining whether the age of the aircraft and the challenges of maintaining older Soviet-era planes under current sanctions contributed to the accident. Russia’s aviation industry has struggled to replace aging regional planes following the exit of major Western manufacturers, leaving airlines to extend the service life of older models.

Despite being considered reliable for operations in remote and harsh environments, the Antonov An-24 is long past its expected retirement. With no domestic replacements expected to enter mass production before 2027, regional carriers continue to rely on these outdated aircraft to serve distant towns, raising ongoing concerns about safety.