A Russian passenger plane operated by Angara Airlines crashed on Thursday in the Amur region while trying to land in poor weather.

The aircraft, en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda, lost contact with air traffic control shortly before crashing in a forested area, just kilometers from its destination.

Preliminary reports say 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew were on board. Emergency officials later confirmed debris was found about 15 km from Tynda, and the burning fuselage was spotted by a Mi-8 helicopter. Authorities have initiated a formal probe to determine the cause of the crash.