Five Indian Air Force personnel died Saturday when an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station [1, 3].

The accident occurred at the Rowriah Airport facility in Assam, where the aircraft caught fire upon impact [1, 2]. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding the aging transport fleet used for regional logistics, and troop movement.

According to reports, the aircraft was in the process of landing when it went down [2]. While some early reports from NDTV Profit indicated that casualties remained unconfirmed, the Indian Express reported that five people were killed in the crash [1].

The Indian Air Force confirmed the loss of the AN-32 transport aircraft [2]. The wreckage was located at the airbase, and emergency teams responded to the site to manage the resulting fire [1, 2].

Officials said a court of inquiry has been constituted to determine the exact cause of the accident [1]. The investigation will examine whether the crash was the result of technical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors affecting the landing approach.

No further details regarding the identities of the deceased have been released at this time. The airbase remains under the control of military authorities as the investigation continues [1, 2].

“Five people were killed on Saturday when an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed”

The loss of five personnel and an AN-32 aircraft underscores the risks associated with the IAF's legacy transport fleet. By initiating a court of inquiry, the military seeks to identify if this was an isolated mechanical failure or a systemic issue requiring the acceleration of aircraft retirement and replacement programs.