An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed at the Air Force Station in Assam’s Jorhat on Saturday morning which costed lives of five IAF personnel. Initial reports indicated that the aircraft went down while attempting to land within the airbase premises.
The five personnel have been identified as Squadron leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. IAF confirmed that the accident took place in 1000hrs during a routine sortie.
The crash was followed by a fire, with flames reportedly breaking out after the aircraft impacted the ground. Emergency response teams were deployed to the site as authorities began assessing the situation.
The Indian Air Force has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances that led to the crash. Officials have not yet released details regarding casualties, injuries, or the extent of damage caused by the accident.
Further information is expected as rescue and assessment operations continue at the airbase.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the incident and said the state government was monitoring developments.
“We are aware of the IAF transport aircraft accident in Jorhat. We are awaiting further details,” Assam CM said in a statement.
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The latest accident comes months after an Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.
On March 5, the twin-seat fighter jet had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station for a routine sortie before losing contact with ground control. The aircraft later crashed in a remote hilly region approximately 60 kilometres from Jorhat. Both pilots on board lost their lives in the incident.
Authorities are expected to provide additional updates on the AN-32 crash as the investigation progresses.
AN-32: A Key Transport Aircraft of the Indian Air Force
The Antonov AN-32 is a twin-engine military transport aircraft that has long served as one of the Indian Air Force’s primary logistics platforms. The aircraft is known for its ability to operate in challenging weather and terrain conditions.
The IAF operates a sizeable fleet of AN-32 aircraft, which are routinely used for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies across the country, including remote and high-altitude regions.
The AN-32 is capable of carrying up to 7.5 tonnes of cargo, around 50 passengers, or 42 paratroopers. Its performance in mountainous areas and hot climatic conditions has made it an important asset for military logistics and humanitarian missions.
The aircraft is frequently deployed for supply drops and transportation operations in areas that are difficult to access by conventional means.
