A passenger aircraft has crashed in eastern Russia, killing all 49 people on board, according to local media reports. On Thursday (24 July), the An-24 aircraft operated by Angara Airlines disappeared from radar near the town of Tynda in the Amur region, bordering China.

Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations stated that the burning wreckage of the aircraft was spotted by an Mi-8 helicopter at the crash site. Interfax news agency confirmed that debris was found within the Amur region.

According to regional governor Vasily Orlov, the plane was carrying 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members. However, the emergency ministry estimated the number of people on board to be around 40.

The TASS news agency reported that pilot error during landing and poor weather conditions are being considered as possible causes of the crash.

Flying in Russia’s remote territories—particularly in Siberia and the Arctic—can be hazardous due to extreme weather. Although aviation safety in Russia has improved in recent years, the use of aging aircraft in far-flung regions continues to contribute to frequent accidents.

Ashik/M