Posted on 07/25/2025 7:15:31 AM PDT by marcusmaximus
A Soviet-era plane that crashed in Russia’s Far East was nearly 50 years old and had recently had its lifespan extended by another decade, highlighting the country’s continued use of ageing passenger jets.
The smoldering wreckage of the Angara Airlines An-24 airplane was found on Thursday in the remote Amur region, which borders China. Estimates of the number of people on board vary, but around 49 people, including crew members, are believed to have died.
Officials, who have begun a criminal investigation into the circumstances of the disaster, said there were no survivors.
The incident has laid bare Russia’s dependency on old Soviet aircraft as Western sanctions—introduced in response to President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine—have crippled the country’s ability to access spare parts for its modern fleet of non-Russian aircraft.
Russia’s state press agency TASS reported that the An-24, which crashed on approach to the city of Tynda, was built in Kyiv in 1976—nearly half a century ago—and made its maiden flight the same year.
In 2021, it had its certificate of airworthiness extended until 2036, a full 60 years after it first flew into the skies. Passenger aircraft are typically taken out of service after 25-30 years, according to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
Its lifespan was extended despite it being involved in four mostly minor safety incidents in recent years.
In the most serious occurrence, as reported by TASS, the jet’s left wing was damaged when it rolled off a runway and clipped a lighting pole in 2018.
In 2019 it had to return to an airport due to a generator failure, while a radio system malfunctioned in March this year. Its approach warning system was also activated during an incident in 2022.
Nicknamed “flying tractors” by some, the propeller-driven Antonov-24 planes—An-24 for short
(Excerpt) Read more at tvpworld.com ...
See the neocon Ukie propagandist POS do the blood dance.
Me and M’boy took a ride in FIFI, an 81 yr old B-29. I was thinking of her age as she started her takeoff roll…81!yr old metal…
“Russia plane crash: Soviet-era jet was nearly 50 years old—and was set to fly for another decade”
since russia is no longer able to manufacture new passenger jets, the plan appears to be just fly the old ones until they crash ...
I’m sorry for your loss. You know, you Russians could just decide to go home.
Those backward Russians. Our currently in-service B-52s were built in 1960-62. (Now, presumably the B-52s have had a lot of work done on them over the decades but still)
That was a fast decade. Time sure flies!
Fascinating indeed🙂
But afaik, the life expectancy of an airplane is more the number of flying hours than the chronological age. Furthermore, keeping it in good mechanical order will also extend its reliable operating life.
I am however afraid that the crashed aircraft had been used for considerably more than 10,000 flying hours, and it didn’t have all the necessary maintenance done in recent years, or maybe very little at all 🙁🙏🏻
but these planes are built like a brick you know what
The Antonov An-24 is a twin-engine turboprop passenger aircraft designed in the 1950s, widely used for regional flights, particularly in Russia and other former Soviet states.
General Information
Design and Capacity: The An-24 is designed to carry up to 52 passengers and is known for its reliability in short-haul flights. It features a high-wing configuration and is powered by two turboprop engines, making it suitable for operations in remote areas with limited infrastructure.
Operational History: First introduced in 1959, the An-24 has been a staple in regional aviation, particularly in harsh environments. Despite its age, many units remain in service, especially in Russia, where they are often used for domestic flights in challenging terrains.
Recent Incident
On July 24, 2025, an Antonov An-24 operated by Angara Airlines crashed in the Amur region of Russia while en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda. The aircraft was carrying 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members. Unfortunately, initial reports indicate that there were no survivors.
Wikipedia
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Crash Details: The plane disappeared from radar during its final approach to Tynda Airport and was later found burning in a mountainous area approximately 15 km from the airport. The aircraft’s fuselage was located by a rescue helicopter, and efforts to reach the crash site were complicated by difficult terrain and weather conditions.
2
Investigation: Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting possible factors such as adverse weather conditions, mechanical failure due to the aircraft’s age, or human error.
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3 Sources
Conclusion
The Antonov An-24 remains a significant aircraft in regional aviation, particularly in Russia, despite concerns regarding its age and safety. The recent crash highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining and operating older aircraft in demanding environments.
Did the famous Ukie “Ghost of Kiev” shoot it down?
Not in the Ukraine.
Looks like they'll soon be in the future Russian oblasts of Odessa, Kharkov and Nikolaev.
I’m sorry for your future loss, and the Ceaușescuing of your Green Grifter.
Five words never used together in the same sentence: World Class Russian Quality Assurance
The B-52 says “Hold muh beer.”
I still have Buick Super 1952 model with straight 8 engine. Best riding car I have driven.
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