A Soviet-era Antonov An-24 passenger plane carrying 48 people crashed in Russia’s Far East on Thursday, with no signs of survivors reported, according to officials and local media.

The aircraft, operated by regional Angara Airlines, was en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda, a remote town near the Chinese border, when it crashed into a forest-covered hill during a second attempt to land. The burning fuselage was later spotted by a Mi-8 rescue helicopter, about 15 km (10 miles) from the airport.

“During the search operation, an Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire,” Russia's emergency services ministry said on Telegram. “Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident.”

The regional governor of Amur confirmed the aircraft had 43 passengers—including five children—and six crew members. The federal government put the total number on board at 42 passengers.

"According to the director of Tynda Airport, the plane caught fire upon impact, and a Mi-8 helicopter crew flying over the area reported no signs of survivors," the state-run TASS news agency cited the regional civil defence and fire safety centre as saying.

The nearly 50-year-old turboprop plane had previously served with Aeroflot before the collapse of the Soviet Union and was flying the Khabarovsk-Tynda-Blagoveshchensk route. A representative from Angara Airlines declined to provide further details.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has ordered a high-level investigation and directed compensation to be paid to victims’ families. President Vladimir Putin has also been informed.

According to aviation experts quoted by Radio BFM, potential causes being considered include human error in poor weather or an engine malfunction.

Angara Airlines, based in Irkutsk, operates a fleet of aging Antonov An-24s, many built in the 1970s. Last year, it was among two airlines requesting the government to extend the service life of these planes amid a shortage of replacements.

Nicknamed "flying tractors," the An-24s are known for their rugged reliability in Siberia’s harsh conditions, able to operate in sub-zero temperatures and on unpaved runways. However, Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine have made maintenance increasingly difficult.

Mass production of Russia’s planned replacement aircraft, the Ladoga, is not expected before 2027.

With inputs from agencies