IAF AN-32 burst into flames after landing at Jorhat airbase, five airmen killed (Lead)
Guwahati, June 13
At least five IAF personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident while landing at the Jorhat airbase in Assam and burst into flames on Saturday, defence officials said.
According to the IAF, the incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. after the aircraft landed at the Jorhat Air Force Station. The aircraft reportedly burst into flames shortly after touchdown, triggering an immediate emergency response from Air Force and airport firefighting teams.
"An IAF AN-32 aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie today at approximately 1000h at Jorhat, Assam. Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time. IAF requests everyone to refrain from speculation till preliminary results are not in," the IAFZ said in a statement.
Defence officials later said that five people lost their lives in the incident. The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released. Further details regarding the circumstances leading to the crash are awaited.
The IAF expressed condolences over the tragedy, stating: "IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief."
A detailed investigation is expected to be ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. Technical experts and Air Force authorities are examining the crash site while initial enquiries remain underway.
The Soviet-origin AN-32 is a twin-engine tactical transport aircraft that has served as a key workhorse of the IAF for decades, particularly in difficult terrains and high-altitude sectors in the Northeast and along the Himalayan frontier.
The latest incident has once again drawn attention to the aircraft's operational history.
In June 2019, an IAF AN-32 carrying 13 personnel went missing after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station for Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh. After an extensive search operation, the wreckage was located in the mountainous terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, and all 13 personnel on board were declared dead.
Another AN-32 disappeared over the Bay of Bengal in July 2016 while flying from Chennai to Port Blair with 29 personnel on board. Despite one of India's largest search operations, the aircraft could not be located for years, and all those on board were presumed dead. Debris linked to the aircraft was eventually identified in 2024.
The AN-32 fleet has also witnessed other accidents over the years, including operational incidents at military airfields.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is tragic. Five lives lost in seconds. 😢 Northeast operations rely heavily on AN-32s, but this vintage fleet shows its age. The IAF must speed up the induction of modern transport planes. However, let’s not jump to conclusions—wait for the inquiry to reveal the real cause. Respect for the fallen heroes. 🇮🇳
Terrible accident. The AN-32 has a long history of service, but this is at least the third major incident involving this type in India in recent years. My thoughts are with the families of the airmen. Hoping the investigation brings clarity and leads to improved safety measures.
As an Indian, this breaks my heart. 😭 We rely heavily on aging Soviet-era aircraft for critical missions in the Northeast and Himalayas. The AN-32 is a workhorse, but at what cost? The IAF should have prioritized phasing these out years ago. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength.
Devastating loss. The AN-32’s track record in India is concerning. These planes are crucial for logistics in remote areas, but safety must come first. Sympathies to the families of the five airmen who gave everything for their nation. I hope the IAF conducts a thorough probe and considers modern alternatives soon.
Such sad news from Jorhat. The NE always relies on AN-32s, but this is too frequent. Five families shattered—we need to prioritise indigenous replacements like the C-295 or even the new transport aircraft
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