July 24, 2025 – A Russian plane An-24, operated by Siberia-based Angara Airlines, has gone missing in the eastern Amur region near the Chinese border, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation. The aircraft, carrying approximately 49 people, including 43 passengers (five of whom are children) and six crew members, lost contact with air traffic controllers while approaching Tynda, a town in the Amur region, on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Details of the Incident

The Russian plane An-24, a twin-turboprop aircraft, was en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda, covering a distance of approximately 570 kilometres, when it vanished from radar screens just a few kilometres from its destination. According to reports, the plane failed to establish contact during a second landing attempt after an initial unsuccessful approach to Tynda airport. No distress signal was reported, raising concerns about the sudden loss of communication.

Regional governor Vasily Orlov confirmed that search and rescue teams have been fully mobilised, stating, “All necessary forces and means have been deployed to search for the plane.” The local emergencies ministry noted that the aircraft dropped off radar without warning, and efforts involving ground teams and aerial surveillance are underway in the rugged terrain of the Amur region.

Conflicting Reports on Passenger Numbers on Russian Plane

There is some discrepancy in the reported number of people onboard. While Governor Orlov reported 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members, the emergencies ministry estimated a slightly lower figure of around 40 passengers. Despite these inconsistencies, the urgency of the search remains paramount as authorities work to locate the aircraft.

Debris Located, Search Continues

According to recent updates, debris from the missing Russian An-24 has been located in the Amur region, with a rescue helicopter identifying the burning fuselage of the aircraft. This development has heightened concerns about the fate of the passengers and crew, with local media reporting that all aboard are feared dead. However, official confirmation of the crash and the status of those onboard is still pending as rescue operations continue.

Angara Airlines and the Russian plane An-24

Angara Airlines, a regional carrier based in Siberia, operates the Russian An-24, a Soviet-era twin-engine turboprop designed for short-haul flights in challenging environments. While the An-24 has a long history of reliable service in Russia’s remote regions, this incident raises questions about aviation safety and maintenance standards for older aircraft models. Safe Fly Aviation is closely monitoring the situation to provide updates on any implications for regional air travel safety.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns

The cause of the plane’s disappearance remains unclear, with no immediate reports of adverse weather conditions or technical issues. The sudden loss of communication and radar contact suggests a critical failure, but investigators will need to analyse the wreckage and flight data to determine the exact circumstances. This incident follows a previous aviation mishap in the Amur region in September 2024, when a Robinson R66 helicopter went missing during an unregistered flight, highlighting ongoing challenges in the region’s aviation safety.

Safe Fly Aviation’s Commitment to Safety

At Safe Fly Aviation, we prioritise passenger safety and advocate for rigorous aviation standards worldwide. As this story develops, we will continue to provide updates based on verified information from credible sources. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and their families during this uncertain time.

For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Safe Fly Aviation. If you’re planning air travel, explore our resources on aviation safety tips and choosing reliable airlines to make informed travel decisions.

Last updated: July 24, 2025, 12:43 PM IST