Tragedy in Siberia: Angara Airlines AN-24 Crash Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Russian Aviation Safety
A detailed analysis of the Russian plane crash involving Angara Airlines' AN-24 aircraft, its causes, and its implications on aviation safety in Russia.
NewsSutra
In a chilling reminder of the dangers still facing regional aviation in Russia, an Angara Airlines Antonov AN-24 passenger plane crashed in the Siberian region, killing multiple passengers and leaving the country in mourning. The incident has reignited serious concerns over the safety standards of aging aircraft operating in Russia’s remote areas.
The Crash: What We Know So Far
On a seemingly routine morning, the Angara Airlines AN-24 aircraft—an older Soviet-era turboprop—took off from the town of Ust-Kut en route to Irkutsk, both located in the sprawling Siberian territory of Irkutsk Oblast. Shortly after takeoff, the plane encountered what the airline initially described as mechanical difficulties.
According to official statements from Rosaviatsiya (Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency), the AN-24 crash occurred after one of the engines reportedly failed mid-flight. In a desperate attempt to make an emergency landing, the pilots tried to steer the aircraft back to the Ust-Kut airstrip. Tragically, the plane crash-landed near the runway, breaking apart upon impact and catching fire.
Of the 47 passengers and crew on board, at least 12 people have been confirmed dead, including both pilots. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, battling flames and rescuing survivors amid mangled wreckage. Survivors were quickly transported to nearby hospitals in critical condition.
This crash marks yet another tragedy in a long list of Russian plane crashes involving older aircraft models still in service across the country.
Russia’s Aging Fleet: An Ongoing Problem
While aviation safety has improved globally, Russia remains one of the few countries where older Soviet-era aircraft like the AN-24 continue to operate extensively. The Antonov AN-24, first flown in 1959, is now largely obsolete in most countries. However, due to the vast and rugged terrain of Siberia and Russia’s Far East, the AN-24 remains in use—largely due to its ability to operate on short and unpaved runways.
Experts have long warned that reliance on outdated aircraft increases the risk of mechanical failures. Despite modernization efforts, many regional airlines in Russia—including Angara Airlines, which operates out of Irkutsk—continue to rely on these aging workhorses.
According to Aviation Safety Network, Russia has seen multiple plane crashes involving AN-24 models in recent years. Maintenance challenges, pilot training gaps, and extreme weather conditions further compound the problem.
Government Response and Investigation
Following the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to the victims’ families and ordered an immediate investigation. A team from the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC), Russia's top air accident investigation body, has been dispatched to the crash site.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the engine failure may have been caused by a turbine blade detachment, though the final report is expected to take several weeks. The Russian Ministry of Transport has already called for a full inspection of all Antonov AN-24 aircraft currently in operation.
Transportation Minister Vitaly Savelyev stated, “This tragedy underscores the urgent need to review the airworthiness of aging aircraft still in service, especially in remote regions like Siberia.”
A temporary suspension on all AN-24 flights by Angara Airlines has also been enforced until the cause of the crash is determined.
Angara Airlines: Regional Carrier Under Scrutiny
Founded in 2000, Angara Airlines is a small regional airline based in Irkutsk, specializing in flights across Siberia and the Russian Far East. The carrier operates a mix of aircraft, including the AN-24 and the AN-148, another Soviet-era jet.
While Angara Airlines has maintained a relatively clean safety record until now, the recent crash has cast a spotlight on its fleet maintenance practices. Local residents have raised concerns that some of the airline's aircraft appear visibly aged and poorly maintained.
A former Angara mechanic, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned, “We’ve raised concerns about certain aircraft systems before. But operating budgets are tight, and maintenance is often done just enough to meet the minimum standards.”
Broader Aviation Safety Issues in Russia
This tragic Russia plane crash is far from an isolated incident. Russia has a long history of aviation accidents, especially in remote areas where airport infrastructure is outdated, weather is unpredictable, and newer aircraft are scarce.
In recent years, multiple Russian passenger planes have either crashed or been forced to make emergency landings due to technical malfunctions. A chilling memory remains from the 2019 crash of a similar AN-24 operated by Angara Airlines, which killed two people after a hard landing in Nizhneangarsk.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Russia’s accident rate is significantly higher than the global average. The issues are often systemic: underfunded airlines, limited pilot training resources, and harsh flying conditions all contribute to the risks.
Families Seek Justice Amid Grief
In the aftermath of the crash, grief-stricken families are demanding transparency and justice. One survivor’s brother told a local media outlet, “They knew the plane was old. Why was it still flying?”
Many are now calling for sweeping reforms in Russia's aviation policy, including mandatory retirement of aging aircraft like the Antonov AN-24, improved maintenance protocols, and better pilot support systems.
Human rights groups and aviation watchdogs have echoed these demands, warning that unless stringent action is taken, more tragedies are inevitable.
Global Reaction and Aviation Industry Implications
International aviation bodies, including the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and ICAO, have expressed condolences and pledged support for the investigation. Aviation analysts say the incident could have broader implications for global operators still using Soviet-designed aircraft in developing regions.
Aircraft manufacturers like UAC (United Aircraft Corporation), which oversees much of Russia’s aviation industry, are facing growing pressure to phase out older models and accelerate production of modern alternatives like the Sukhoi Superjet 100.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Russian Aviation
The recent Russian plane crash involving an Angara Airlines AN-24 has served as a somber reminder of the pressing need for aviation reforms in Russia. As grieving families seek accountability, experts warn that unless the government acts swiftly to upgrade aircraft fleets and improve oversight, the country may witness more avoidable tragedies.
This incident also underscores the critical need for investment in modern aviation infrastructure, especially in Russia’s vast and underserved eastern territories. For now, all eyes remain on investigators to uncover the truth behind yet another devastating Russian plane crash.
