A passenger plane with more than 40 people on board has gone missing in Russia’s Amur region, Interfax reported on Thursday, citing emergency services.
The aircraft, an Antonov An-24, was flying the Khabarovsk–Blagoveshchensk–Tynda route. According to a source, the plane failed to check in near its final destination, and communication with the aircraft was lost.
The Telegram channel Baza reported that the An-24 was preparing to land but failed to do so on its first approach and went around for a second attempt. Contact was lost shortly afterward. A Mi-8 helicopter and ground crews were dispatched to search for the aircraft. According to Shot, the missing plane belongs to Angara Airlines.
Citing emergency services, TASS reported that there were 40 passengers on board, including two children, along with six crew members. RIA Novosti, however, reported 42 passengers.
Update: Wreckage from the Antonov An-24 passenger plane that went missing earlier on Thursday has been found about 15 kilometers (around nine miles) from the town of Tynda in Russia’s Amur region, Interfax reported, citing emergency services. Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry said a Mi-8 helicopter spotted the aircraft’s burning fuselage. According to regional officials, the wreckage was found on a mountain slope. The Telegram channel Shot reported that the terrain prevents helicopters from landing, and emergency workers are making their way to the crash site on foot.