The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that the An-24, operated by Angara Airlines, disappeared in Amur province today while preparing to land in the city of Tynda. Amur Governor Vasily Orlov said the plane was carrying 49 people, including 43 passengers and a crew of 6.

"During the search for the aircraft, a Mi-8 rescue helicopter discovered a burning section of the passenger cabin," the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations said, adding that a preliminary assessment of the scene indicated there were no survivors.

The Amur Regional Rescue Center reported that the wreckage of the An-24 was found on a mountainside, about 15 km from Tynda.

An Angara Airlines An-24 in 2024. Photo: RussianPlanes

An Angara Airlines An-24 in 2024. Photo: RussianPlanes

Interfax reported that the An-24 disappeared during its second landing attempt at Tynda airport after an initial unsuccessful approach. The weather in the area at the time was poor, causing several flights to be delayed.

Russian prosecutors have opened an investigation into the incident, while the Russian Investigative Committee is also looking into a possible violation of aviation safety regulations.

The An-24 is a narrow-body transport and passenger aircraft, with a passenger cabin featuring only two rows of seats and a central aisle. It has been in service since the 1960s. Each plane is over 23 m long, has a wingspan of over 29 m, a maximum takeoff weight of 21 tons, and is designed to carry up to 50 passengers.

The An-24 is mainly used for short and medium-haul routes, focusing on the ability to operate on unpaved runways in remote areas.

Thanh Danh (According to TASS, RIA Novosti, Reuters)