IAF AN-32 bursts into flames after landing in Assam's Jorhat
Guwahati, June 13
An Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft reportedly caught fire after landing at Assam's Jorhat on Saturday, triggering emergency response measures at the airbase, officials said.
Initial reports indicated that the incident occurred immediately after the aircraft touched down, with flames and thick smoke seen billowing from the aircraft.
Airport and IAF emergency teams rushed to the spot and launched firefighting operations to contain the blaze. The extent of damage to the aircraft and information regarding casualties were not immediately available.
Authorities are expected to order a detailed inquiry into the incident to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.
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 crashes in Arunachal Pradesh and operational incidents at military airfields.
Officials are yet to release an official statement on Saturday's Jorhat incident. Further details are awaited as rescue, assessment and investigation efforts continue.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's sad to see these vintage Soviet planes still in service, but they're vital for high-altitude operations. The IAF must accelerate the replacement program, but until then, we salute the brave men and women who fly and maintain them daily. 🇮🇳
My heart skipped a beat reading this. Jorhat is in my home state, and I know how crucial these flights are for supply lines in Assam. Hope no lives are lost, and the IAF gets to the bottom of this quickly. Safety first, always.
AN-32 is a solid airframe but getting old. The 2019 crash still haunts me, and now this. With China watching our borders, we need modern planes that won't catch fire on landing. The families of our airmen deserve better equipment.
Our IAF does an amazing job with what they have. But the government must prioritize modernizing these aging fleets. The AN-32 served well, but it's time for new generation transport aircraft. This close call is a wake-up call! 😔
The bravery of our airmen is unmatched, but we can't keep flying planes from the 1970s forever. The Northeast relies heavily on these aircraft for supplies and medical evacuations. Let's hope the inquiry reveals the cause and speeds up replacements. Om Shanti for those who have fallen before.
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