Tragedy struck in Russia’s far eastern Amur region as a Soviet-era aircraft crashed while attempting a second landing.
The plane was carrying 43 passengers and six crew members when it lost contact with air traffic control.
Governor Vassily Orlov confirmed the figures, including five children among the passengers.
However, Russia’s state-owned TASS news agency later reported that the aircraft had only 40 passengers, adding to the confusion as details continue to emerge.
The Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor’s Office revealed the aircraft had gone around for a second approach to Tynda Airport when it vanished from radar.
“While approaching Tynda Airport, the aircraft went around for a second landing, after which contact was lost,” the office stated.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash.
Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the incident.
The Prosecutor’s Office said the “circumstances are being investigated” and declined to comment further on potential reasons for the crash.
TASS also reported that the aircraft was nearly five decades old.
Despite its age, it received an airworthiness certificate extension in 2021, valid until 2036.
This information, however, has not been independently verified by AFP.
The aircraft involved in the crash was identified as an Antonov An-24, a twin-propeller plane designed in the Soviet Union and first introduced in 1959.
While Russia has attempted to phase out many Soviet-era planes in favor of modern jets, the An-24 remains in use across remote regions.
These older models often serve isolated communities where harsh weather and limited infrastructure make aviation a lifeline.
Yet, crashes involving ageing aircraft continue to raise concerns about safety standards.
Accidents like this highlight the ongoing challenge Russia faces in updating its civil aviation fleet, especially in less-connected parts of the country.
Though large cities now rely more on modern jets, remote areas still depend heavily on old but serviceable planes.
The crash near Tynda once again brings attention to the need for comprehensive upgrades in regional aviation.
Until then, the reliance on outdated aircraft in Russia’s vast territory remains a serious safety issue.
