- By Sakshi Srivastava
- Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:12 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Russia Plane Crash: In a tragic turn of events, a Russian passenger plane operated by Angara Airlines crashed today in the Amur region of Russia’s Far East after losing contact with air traffic control (ATC). The aircraft, which was carrying nearly 50 passengers and crew, was reported missing earlier in the day. Emergency responders later located the burning wreckage of the aircraft, confirming that there were no survivors, according to Reuters.
This developing tragedy marks yet another fatal incident in modern aviation and joins a long list of catastrophic crashes that have occurred in the 21st century. Here’s a look at some of the deadliest air disasters in recent decades — excluding the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.
Deadliest Plane Disasters Of The 21st Century
1. Malaysia Airlines MH17 (2014) – 298 Dead
On July 17, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine amid the conflict between Russian-backed rebels and Ukrainian forces. The Boeing 777 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was struck by a surface-to-air missile.
Death toll: 298
193 of the victims were Dutch nationals.
In May 2024, the UN aviation agency (ICAO) held Russia accountable for the attack, a decision Moscow called "biased."
2. Iran Military Il-76 Crash (2003) – 275 Dead
On February 19, 2003, an Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) crashed near Kerman, southeastern Iran. The plane vanished from radar amid poor weather conditions, just an hour after takeoff.
Death toll: 275
Aircraft: Russian-made military transport plane
Cause: Likely poor weather; exact cause unconfirmed
3. American Airlines Flight 587 (2001) – 265 Dead
Just two months after the 9/11 attacks, American Airlines Flight 587, bound for Santo Domingo, crashed shortly after takeoff from JFK Airport in New York City.
Death toll: 260 on board + 5 on the ground
Date: November 12, 2001
Cause: Pilot overreaction to wake turbulence
4. Algerian Military Crash (2018) – 257 Dead
On April 11, 2018, an Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from a base near Algiers, Algeria. Most of those on board were soldiers and their families.
Death toll: 257
5. Ahmedabad Crash – Air India Flight 171 - 241 Dead
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick with 242 passengers crashed in Meghaninagar area at 1:39 pm (IST) on June 12, 2025, shortly after it took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. 241 people were killed in the crash. As per Air India, the passengers comprised 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals.
6. Malaysia Airlines MH370 (2014) – 239 Missing, Presumed Dead
On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The Boeing 777 is believed to have crashed into the southern Indian Ocean, though its wreckage has never been fully recovered.
People on board: 239
Remains one of aviation’s greatest unsolved cases
7. Air France AF447 (2009) – 228 Dead
Air France Flight 447 disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean after leaving Rio de Janeiro for Paris on June 1, 2009. The plane crashed into the sea amid a thunderstorm and turbulence.
Death toll: 228
Wreckage found after two years of deep-sea search
ALSO READ: Russian Plane Missing: Angara Airlines Flight With 50 On Board Loses Contact With ATC
8. China Airlines Flight 611 (2002) – 225 Dead
On May 25, 2002, a China Airlines Boeing 747-200 disintegrated mid-air over the Taiwan Strait, just 20 minutes after taking off from Taipei. It was headed for Hong Kong.
Death toll: 225
Cause: Structural failure due to improper repair decades earlier