Jorhat, Assam: A tragic accident struck the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday when an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed during a routine sortie at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam, resulting in the death of five Air Force personnel and leaving the co-pilot injured. The incident has triggered a court of inquiry as authorities investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.

According to IAF officials, the aircraft met with an accident at approximately 10:00 am while carrying out a routine operational sortie. The AN-32 transport aircraft was attempting to land at the Jorhat airbase when the mishap occurred. Initial reports indicated that the aircraft crashed while landing, while preliminary findings suggested it may have landed before a fire broke out within the military facility, leading to the devastating accident.

The crash claimed the lives of five Indian Air Force personnel. The deceased have been identified as:

• Squadron Leader Prashant Singh

• Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar

• Sergeant Jitendra Sharma

• Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat

• Agniveervayu Danish Alam

The co-pilot survived the crash and is currently undergoing medical treatment. Officials have not yet disclosed details about the extent of the injuries sustained by the surviving crew member.

Emergency Response Launched Immediately

The accident prompted an immediate emergency response at the Jorhat airbase. Firefighting teams, rescue personnel, and senior IAF officials rushed to the crash site as efforts were launched to control the fire and search for survivors. Images emerging from the scene showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the wreckage, while the aircraft appeared to have broken apart upon impact. Soldiers and rescue teams were seen working around the crash site amid extensive recovery operations.

Authorities quickly secured the area as rescue and recovery operations continued within the military facility. The Indian Air Force later confirmed the fatalities and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased personnel.

Court of Inquiry Ordered

Following the accident, the Indian Air Force ordered a court of inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash. Officials stated that the investigation would examine all circumstances surrounding the incident, including technical, operational, and environmental factors that may have contributed to the accident.

So far, the IAF has not released detailed information regarding the cause of the crash, and investigators are expected to analyze flight data, maintenance records, and eyewitness accounts as part of the inquiry.

Defence Minister Expresses Condolences

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the loss of the Air Force personnel and extended condolences to their families. The Indian Air Force also conveyed its support to the bereaved families, reaffirming its commitment to standing with them during this difficult period.

AN-32: A Critical Workhorse of the Indian Air Force

The AN-32 is one of the most important transport aircraft in the Indian Air Force's fleet. Designed for operations in difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions, the twin-engine transport aircraft plays a crucial role in logistical and operational missions across the country.

The aircraft is extensively used for transporting troops, military equipment, supplies, cargo, passengers, and paratroopers, particularly to remote and strategically significant locations in India's border regions. Its ability to operate in high-altitude environments has made it a key asset for sustaining military operations in mountainous and inaccessible areas.

Latest in a Series of Aviation Tragedies

The Jorhat crash adds to a series of aviation accidents involving the Indian Air Force in recent years.

In June 2019, another AN-32 aircraft disappeared after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam for Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh. The aircraft, carrying 13 personnel, lost contact with ground control roughly 33 minutes after takeoff. After an extensive search operation, the wreckage was located in Arunachal Pradesh, and there were no survivors.

More recently, Assam witnessed another major military aviation tragedy when a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission in Karbi Anglong district. The crash resulted in the deaths of two Air Force pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The incident occurred approximately 60 kilometres from Jorhat Air Base and highlighted the risks faced by military aircrew during training and operational missions.

Other Major AN-32 crash incidents:

June 2019 - Jorhat – 13 killed

July 2016 - Bay of Bengal – 29 killed

June 2009 – Arunachal Pradesh – 13 killed

March 1999 – Delhi – 21 killed

March 1986 – Jammu and Kashmir – 17 killed

Nation Mourns Loss of Air Warriors

The deaths of Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat, and Agniveervayu Danish Alam have sent shockwaves through the defence community. Their loss underscores the risks routinely faced by Indian Air Force personnel while carrying out operational and training duties essential to national security.

As investigators work to determine what caused the AN-32 crash at Jorhat, tributes continue to pour in for the fallen air warriors whose service and sacrifice remain central to the country's defence preparedness. The Indian Air Force has assured full support to the families of the deceased and stated that the findings of the inquiry will help prevent similar incidents in the future.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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