Why did the Russian Antonov AN-24 crash? | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Antonov AN-24: A Soviet-era turboprop passenger plane.
• Amur Region: A region in the far east of Russia.
• Tinda: A city in the Amur Region, near the crash site.
• Angara Airlines: The airline operating the crashed plane.
• Crew Error: A potential cause of the crash, specifically during landing approach.
• Poor Visibility: A contributing factor to the potential crew error.
• Russian Investigation Committee: The body responsible for investigating the crash.

Crash Details and Initial Findings:

• A passenger plane, an Antonov AN-24 operated by Angara Airlines, crashed in the Amur region near Tinda in the far east of Russia.
• The plane was carrying between 46 and 49 people, all of whom are believed to have died.
• The plane was traveling from Bago Veshkeek (on the Russian-Chinese border) on the route Kabarovskavinsk to Tinda.
• The burning fuselage was spotted by a helicopter after the plane lost contact with air traffic control and disappeared from radar.
• The crash occurred on approach to landing in Tinda. The plane failed to land on the first attempt and crashed after going for a second attempt.

Possible Causes and Contributing Factors:

• Crew Error: Considered a primary version of the crash, specifically during the landing approach.
• Poor Visibility: The landing approach was made in poor visibility conditions, potentially contributing to the crew error.
• Age of the Aircraft: The Antonov AN-24 was nearly 50 years old, manufactured in January 1976. The age of the aircraft raises concerns about its maintenance and reliability.
• Extreme Weather Conditions: Strong winds are common in the region, which can make flying dangerous. Yuri Rashettto mentions waiting three days for the wind to die down before a flight.
• Pilot Error (Speculation): Alcoholism is a known problem in the region, and there is speculation about pilot error due to this. Yuri Rashettto recounts personal experiences of pilots partying and drinking heavily after landing. However, this is acknowledged as speculation pending the official investigation.

Investigation and Official Information:

• The Russian Investigation Committee has launched an investigation into the crash.
• The official information available so far points to crew error during the landing approach in poor visibility as the most likely cause.

Personal Experience and Anecdotal Evidence:

• Yuri Rashettto, RIA Bureau Chief, shares his personal experiences flying on similar Antonov AN-24 planes in the far east of Russia.
• He describes the planes as feeling like "a museum of the Soviet aircraft industry" due to their age.
• He recounts waiting for days due to strong winds and mentions the issue of alcoholism among pilots in the region.

Notable Quotes:

• Yuri Rashettto: "When you enter the plane you feel like you are in a museum of the Soviet aircraft industry."

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The crash of the Antonov AN-24 in the Amur region appears to be a tragic event with multiple potential contributing factors. While the official investigation is ongoing, initial information suggests that crew error during a landing approach in poor visibility is the most likely cause. The age of the aircraft and the challenging environmental conditions in the region, including strong winds, may have also played a role. Speculation about pilot error due to alcoholism exists, but this remains unconfirmed. The investigation by the Russian Investigation Committee will provide more definitive answers.