At the Jorhat airbase in Assam, an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing, resulting in the deaths of five IAF personnel. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. when the aircraft landed and caught fire, prompting an immediate response from Air Force and airport firefighting teams. The IAF confirmed the accident and urged against speculation until preliminary results are available.
Defence officials disclosed that five individuals lost their lives in the crash, with their identities yet to be officially revealed. Further information on the crash’s circumstances is pending. The IAF expressed condolences for the tragedy, emphasizing solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time. An investigation is set to determine the accident’s cause, with technical experts and Air Force authorities currently assessing the crash site.
The AN-32, a Soviet-origin twin-engine tactical transport aircraft long utilized by the IAF, has been crucial in challenging terrains and high-altitude regions in the Northeast and Himalayan frontier. This incident has refocused attention on the aircraft’s operational history, known for previous mishaps. In June 2019, an AN-32 went missing with 13 personnel aboard, later found in Arunachal Pradesh with no survivors. Similarly, in July 2016, another AN-32 disappeared over the Bay of Bengal with 29 personnel, remaining undiscovered for years until debris was identified in 2024.
