Regulations & Safety
Angara Airlines Antonov An-24 Crash in Russia Highlights Aging Fleet Risks
Angara Airlines Flight 2311 crashed near Tynda, Russia, killing 48. The incident raises concerns about aging Soviet-era aircraft and aviation safety in remote regions.
On July 24, 2025, a domestic flight operated by Angara Airlines ended in tragedy when an Antonov An-24 Commercial-Aircraft crashed during a second landing attempt near Tynda, in Russia’s Amur Oblast. All 48 people aboard, including 42 passengers and 6 crew members, lost their lives. The crash site, discovered hours later in a mountainous forested area, revealed a burning wreckage with no survivors.
This incident has reignited concerns over the continued use of aging Soviet-era aircraft in Russia’s remote regions, particularly under current geopolitical and economic constraints. It also raises broader questions about aviation safety, regulatory oversight, and the challenges of maintaining older fleets in isolated areas with limited infrastructure.
As investigators work to determine the precise cause of the crash, the tragedy has prompted national mourning, international condolences, and a renewed focus on the risks inherent in operating vintage aircraft under modern conditions.
The Antonov An-24, a twin-turboprop aircraft developed in the late 1950s, was designed for rugged conditions and short takeoff and landing capabilities. It became a staple of Soviet regional aviation, with over 1,300 units produced. Despite its durability and simplicity, the aircraft’s design and technology are now considered outdated by modern aviation standards.
The plane involved in the crash, tail number RA-47315, was manufactured in 1976, making it nearly five decades old. According to public records, it had a documented history of at least four incidents since 2018. Nevertheless, it passed a technical inspection in 2021 and held an airworthiness certificate valid until 2036. This raises questions about the effectiveness and rigor of maintenance and inspection protocols for aging aircraft still in service.
While the An-24 is no longer produced, it remains operational in parts of Russia and Africa, largely due to its ability to handle unpaved runways and extreme weather, features that are critical in remote regions. However, its safety record is mixed, with over 60 accidents involving An-24s reported since 2000, according to aviation safety databases.
“The Antonov An-24 was built for resilience, not comfort or modern safety standards. Its continued use reflects necessity more than choice.”, Aviation Historian, Aviamuseum Ukraine
Angara Airlines, based in Irkutsk, operates a fleet primarily consisting of Soviet-era aircraft, including multiple An-24s built between 1972 and 1976. The Airlines serves remote Siberian and Far Eastern destinations where alternative transport options are limited or non-existent.
Despite its crucial regional role, Angara Airlines has faced scrutiny over its safety record. Notable incidents include a 2011 ditching in the Ob River that resulted in seven fatalities and a 2019 runway overrun that killed two people. The airline’s reliance on older aircraft has been a point of concern for aviation analysts, especially given the challenges of maintaining such planes amid limited access to spare parts. In the aftermath of the 2025 crash, the company has pledged full cooperation with investigators and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. It also announced internal reviews of its maintenance and training procedures, although public trust may take time to rebuild.
The ill-fated flight originated in Khabarovsk and made a scheduled stop in Blagoveshchensk before heading to its final destination in Tynda. The aircraft experienced a 95-minute delay due to adverse weather conditions before departing for the final leg of the journey.
At approximately 1:00 PM local time, the plane disappeared from radar during its second attempt to land at Tynda Airport. No distress signal was received from the crew, which is unusual for a crash of this nature. Search and rescue operations commenced promptly, and by 5:30 PM, a helicopter located the burning wreckage approximately 16 kilometers south of the airport in a mountainous and densely forested area.
Rescue teams reached the site several hours later and confirmed that all 48 individuals on board had perished. Among the victims were five children and one Chinese national. A local woman, who missed the flight due to her granddaughter falling ill, later shared her story, a poignant reminder of fate’s unpredictability.
Initial reports from Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry and the Investigative Committee suggest that poor visibility and possible pilot error were contributing factors. The aircraft was on its second landing attempt under difficult weather conditions, and the lack of a distress call suggests a sudden loss of control or situational awareness.
Flight recorders, commonly known as black boxes, were recovered from the site and are currently undergoing analysis. Investigators are exploring multiple angles, including technical malfunction, crew performance, and air traffic control communication. A criminal case has been opened under Russian law for alleged violations of air safety regulations.
In response to the tragedy, authorities declared three days of mourning in the Amur region. Financial compensation of 5 million rubles (approximately $63,000) per victim has been promised to the families. International condolences poured in from neighboring countries, including China and Belarus.
The crash has brought renewed attention to the challenges of operating aging aircraft in Russia’s vast and often inaccessible regions. With Western sanctions restricting access to spare parts and new aircraft acquisitions, Russian airlines have increasingly relied on older Soviet-era models like the An-24 and An-26. Experts warn that while these aircraft are robust, they are not immune to wear and tear. Maintenance becomes increasingly complex and costly as parts become harder to source. Additionally, training pilots to handle these older systems, which lack modern avionics, adds another layer of operational risk.
The aviation industry in Russia is at a crossroads. Without significant investment in fleet modernization or the development of reliable domestic alternatives, incidents like the Angara crash may become more frequent. The situation underscores the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on public Safety and infrastructure.
“Sanctions don’t just affect governments, they trickle down to impact safety in the skies. This crash is a tragic example of that reality.”, Aviation Analyst, DW News
In regions like Amur Oblast, aviation is often the only viable form of transportation due to vast distances and limited road or rail access. This makes aircraft like the An-24 indispensable, despite their age and associated risks.
Local governments and airlines face a difficult balancing act: ensuring connectivity while managing safety and cost. The lack of infrastructure investment in remote areas further exacerbates the problem, leaving few alternatives to these aging airframes.
Some aviation experts advocate for the development of newer, rugged aircraft tailored to remote operations. However, such initiatives require long-term planning, funding, and international cooperation, all of which are currently constrained by Russia’s political and economic isolation.
The crash of Angara Airlines Flight 2311 is a sobering reminder of the risks associated with operating outdated aircraft in challenging environments. While the An-24 has served reliably for decades, its continued use underlines systemic issues within Russia’s aviation sector, from regulatory oversight to infrastructure limitations and geopolitical constraints.
As investigations proceed, the focus must shift toward long-term solutions that prioritize passenger safety without compromising regional connectivity. Modernizing fleets, improving pilot training, and reassessing maintenance protocols are essential steps to prevent future tragedies. The world will be watching how Russia responds, not just with words, but with meaningful action.
What type of aircraft was involved in the crash? How many people were on board? What caused the crash? Is Angara Airlines considered safe? What steps are being taken after the crash?
Tragedy in the Skies: Angara Airlines Crash in Russia’s Far East
Background: The Aircraft and the Airline
The Antonov An-24: A Soviet Workhorse
Angara Airlines: Serving the Remote Corners
Crash Details and Investigation
The Flight and the Fatal Descent
Preliminary Findings and Official Response
Broader Implications and Industry Challenges
Aging Aircraft and Sanction Pressures
Regional Dependency and Safety Trade-Offs
Conclusion
FAQ
The aircraft was an Antonov An-24, a Soviet-era twin-turboprop plane built in 1976.
There were 48 people on board, including 42 passengers and 6 crew members. All perished in the crash.
Preliminary findings suggest poor visibility and possible pilot error during a second landing attempt. Investigations are ongoing.
Angara Airlines has a mixed safety record, with previous incidents in 2011 and 2019. It operates older aircraft, which raises safety concerns.
Authorities have launched a criminal investigation, recovered flight recorders, and declared a period of mourning. Compensation has been promised to victims’ families.
Sources:
Photo Credit: Wikidata