"Investigation Research Points Towards AN-24's Age as Possible Factor in Tynda Aircraft Mishap"
In the world of aviation, the longevity of aircraft is often a subject of interest. This is particularly true for the Antonov An-24, a Soviet-era aircraft that continues to play a significant role in Russia and other countries.
Despite being designed and manufactured over four decades ago, the An-24 remains in operation, with some aircraft operating for nearly 50 years or more. This is due in part to Russia's official extension of the service life of these aircraft to 60 years [1]. This decision, driven by practical necessity, comes amid challenges such as Western sanctions limiting access to spare parts and maintenance personnel, leaving no viable alternatives within Russia [1].
The continued use of An-24s can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there seems to be a lack of alternatives in the Russian market, with airlines like Angara Airlines openly reporting that there are currently no substitutes for the An-24 and An-26 models due to sanctions affecting imports and maintenance support [1].
Secondly, the planes continue in service due to extensive manual and local maintenance efforts. Despite documented incidents such as runway excursions, generator failures, and radio equipment malfunctions over recent years, these planes remain operational [1].
Thirdly, the An-24's versatility and suitability for operating in remote and harsh environments, such as Russia’s far east regions, make it a valuable asset for both civilian flights and law enforcement missions [1][3].
However, concerns over safety persist. Recent crashes involving An-24s have resulted in fatalities of all on board, underscoring the risks associated with operating aging airframes even under extended maintenance regimes [1][3].
Besides the An-24, other Russian aircraft are under development, such as the Il-114-300, which shares the An-24's ability to operate on unpaved runways and in harsh Arctic conditions [3]. The certification of the Il-114-300 with a domestic engine is expected to be completed by the end of this year, and the first series of Il-114-300s are expected to be delivered to customers around August 2026 [3].
The Il-114-300 is expected to gradually replace not only the An-24 but also foreign aircraft like ATR-42/72, Bombardier Q-300, and CRJ-100/200 on local lines [3]. However, it's worth noting that the Il-114 is still undergoing certification tests, making it currently unavailable as a replacement for the An-24 and An-26 [3].
Apart from Russia, airlines in Kazakhstan, China, and North Korea also operate An-24 aircraft [3].
Investigations into air crashes always consider three factors: the technical condition of the aircraft, the weather conditions during the flight, and the actions of the crew [2]. In the case of the recent An-24 crash, aviation expert Yuri Sytnik noted that a combination of several dangerous factors, including weather conditions, the pilot rushing the turn, and possible turbulence, could have contributed to the accident [2].
In summary, political, economic, and operational constraints have made the extension of the An-24’s airworthiness certificates necessary, sustaining its use despite its advanced age and maintenance challenges, particularly in Russia and similar markets relying on this aircraft type. The gradual introduction of new Russian aircraft like the Il-114-300 offers hope for a safer and more modern future in aviation.
References: [1] The Moscow Times. (2025, July 1). Russia extends the life of its ageing An-24 planes to 60 years. [online] Available at: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/07/01/russia-extends-the-life-of-its-ageing-an-24-planes-to-60-years-a71133 [2] FlightGlobal. (2025, June 15). Russian aviation expert investigates An-24 crash. [online] Available at: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/russian-aviation-expert-investigates-an-24-crash-471807/ [3] Aviation International News. (2025, August 1). The future of Russian aviation: Il-114-300 and beyond. [online] Available at: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-cargo/2025-08-01/future-russian-aviation-il-114-300-and-beyond
Science and technology have played significant roles in the prolonged use and modernization of Russian aircraft, such as the Antonov An-24. For instance, the development of the Il-114-300, which can operate on unpaved runways and in harsh Arctic conditions, is expected to replace aging aircraft like the An-24 and offer a safer and more modern alternative in the future.
