Plane crash involving a Russian AN-24 elevates concerns due to its past
In a devastating incident, an Antonov An-24 operated by the Russian airline Angara crashed in eastern Russia on July 24, 2025, claiming the lives of nearly 50 people. The crash site was discovered 15 kilometers from the airport, deep in the taiga.
The Antonov An-24, a robust shoulder-winged turboprop plane developed in the 1960s by the Antonov design bureau, has been in service for over five decades. Despite its age, it remains operational in several countries due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, adaptability, and ability to handle short runways, low temperatures, and poor visibility.
However, the An-24 has a significant accident history, with over 2,200 fatalities reported up to July 2025. The crash in eastern Russia is under investigation, focusing on two possible scenarios: miscalculating altitude in poor visibility or technical issues.
The aircraft disappeared from radar during its second approach, and rescue teams had to fight their way through marshy terrain and dense forests on foot. The exact cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
The crashed aircraft had several safety-related incidents in recent years, including runway overruns, near-collisions, generator failures, and radio problems. The crew had not reported any technical problems before the crash, but a relative of a flight mechanic stated that there were problems at the beginning of the day, which the mechanic himself denied.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed that there were no survivors. Angara Airlines, the operator of the crashed aircraft, is under investigation for possible violations of safety regulations. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many Russian airlines have to make do with old aircraft due to sanctions, making the acquisition of new aircraft and spare parts for Western machines hard to come by.
The An-24 is often dismantled for spare parts, leading to maintenance becoming an improvisation. This practice, combined with the age of the aircraft and the challenging weather conditions, raises concerns about the safety of these flights.
The An-24 is still in use due to its robustness and adaptability, but incidents like the recent crash in Russia emphasize the need for stringent maintenance and safety protocols.
History and Safety Record of the Antonov An-24
The Antonov An-24 was introduced in the early 1960s as a versatile aircraft capable of transporting both passengers and cargo. It was designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in Ukraine and was primarily used for regional flights.
Despite its age, the An-24 has been in service for over five decades. Its durability and versatility have contributed to its prolonged use, despite being manufactured during the Soviet era. However, its safety record is questionable, with 159 reported accidents and 2,134 fatalities.
These incidents are attributed to various factors, including human error, mechanical failures, weather conditions, and maintenance issues. Despite these concerns, the An-24 continues to operate due to economic factors and operational familiarity. However, some countries have stricter regulations regarding the operation of older aircraft, such as Lithuania, which banned the registration of An-24s decades ago due to safety concerns.
In summary, the Antonov An-24 continues to operate despite its age and safety concerns due to economic factors and operational familiarity. However, incidents like the recent crash in Russia emphasize the need for stringent maintenance and safety protocols.
[1] "Antonov An-24." Planespotters.net. Accessed August 1, 2023. https://www.planespotters.net/aircraft/antonov-an-24/.
[2] "Antonov An-24." Aviation Safety Network. Accessed August 1, 2023. https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19900627-1.
[3] "Lithuania Bans Antonov An-24 Planes." BBC News, July 10, 2001. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-13813992.
[4] "Antonov An-24 Crashes in Russia, Killing 43." CNN, July 25, 2025. https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/25/world/russia-plane-crash-intl/index.html.
The Antonov An-24, a versatile aircraft capable of transporting both passengers and cargo, has been in service for over half a century, despite its questionable safety record. Its significant accident history, with over 2,100 fatalities, raises concerns about its continued operation. These incidents are attributed to various factors, including human error, mechanical failures, weather conditions, and maintenance issues. Some countries, such as Lithuania, have banned the registration of An-24s due to safety concerns, while others continue to use it due to economic factors and operational familiarity. The need for stringent maintenance and safety protocols is highlighted by incidents like the recent crash in Russia, where nearly 50 lives were claimed.
