I’m a bit of an aviation nut. While it’s not a new plane, it’s certainly not the oldest one flying by far.

Aircraft have a rigorous maintenance schedule. Some components are replaced based on hours used, others are on a calendar schedule: replace it regardless of hours. There are also so-called C- and D-checks: the plane basically gets completely taken apart every 6 to 10 years.

IF DONE CORRECTLY - this means the aircraft will be in excellent condition, even if it reaches that age.

Now, this being Russia in wartime, I wouldn’t be surprised that proper maintenance wasn’t performed. Especially since the AN-24 has an excellent reputation as a rugged, dependable plane. They probably used those resources elsewhere.

Of course, even the best maintained planes can crash. We’ll see what any investigation reveals.

Holy moly, it was 49 years old, from January 1976: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angara_Airlines_Flight_2311