AN-24 Plane Crashes in Russia's Amur Region. 50 People Were on Board. The Cause of the Accident is Believed to be Bad Weather and Pilot Error. Rescue Operations are Underway.
Russia Plane Crash: A major plane crash has occurred in the far eastern Amur region of Russia. An Antonov AN-24 passenger plane belonging to Angara Airlines of Siberia has crashed. Approximately 50 people were on board, and initial reports suggest that there is no chance of anyone surviving the accident.
Emergency services reported that the wreckage of the plane was found burning in a dense forest. Pictures from the scene show the front of the plane engulfed in flames. Rescue teams have been dispatched to the scene, but the geographical conditions of the area and the fire in the forest are hindering the rescue operation.
Plane Was Flying From Blagoveshchensk to Tynda
The plane was flying from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda. The city of Tynda in the Amur region is located near the Chinese border, and the route to it passes through mountainous and dense forests. The accident occurred about 15 kilometers from Tynda. It is reported that the plane suddenly disappeared from radar, and shortly after, its wreckage was found in a mountainous area.
Questions Raised About Technical Condition
The AN-24 plane that crashed was manufactured in 1976. It is a Soviet-era aircraft that has been in operation for a long time. The airline regularly maintained the aircraft, but questions are now being raised about the technical condition of such an old plane.
Bad Weather and Pilot Error the Cause of the Accident?
According to the Russian news agency TASS, bad weather and crew error are believed to be responsible for the accident. According to reports, visibility was very low during landing near Tynda, and at the same time, the pilot made a mistake in decision-making. However, investigations are still ongoing, and no single cause has been officially confirmed. Russia's aviation investigation agency has launched an investigation into the matter.
Difficulties in Rescue Operation
The area where the plane crashed is extremely difficult terrain. There are dense forests and mountains. In addition, the fire on the plane has created more difficulties for relief and rescue work.
Emergency service official Yulia Petina said that an MI-8 helicopter spotted the burning front part of the plane. After this, a rescue team was immediately sent to the spot. But due to the fire in the forest and the difficult geographical conditions, there is a delay in reaching the spot.
The Scene is Near the Chinese Border
The area where the plane crash occurred is adjacent to the Chinese border. This area is relatively sparsely populated, and there is also a lack of infrastructure. Therefore, helicopters and special vehicles have been deployed to provide relief.
No Living Passengers Found So Far
So far, no confirmation has been received of any surviving passengers from the scene. Local media reports say that all the approximately 50 people on board the plane may have died in the accident. However, authorities have not yet officially confirmed the death toll.
After the accident, questions have also been raised about the qualifications and experience of the pilot and crew. Investigation agencies are trying to find out whether any technical malfunction was overlooked during landing or whether any prior warnings were given regarding the weather.
