An Antonov An-24 passenger aircraft disappeared from radar today in Russia’s Far Eastern region during its flight from Blagoveshchensk, the capital of the Amur region, to Tynda. Moscow media reports state the twin-engine turboprop lost contact after initiating a second landing attempt at its destination airport, following an aborted first approach.
Amur region Governor Vasily Orlov confirmed the aircraft carried 49 people: 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members. Search and rescue operations involving helicopters have been launched in the area.
Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency reports that the National Investigative Committee has opened a criminal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.