Five Indian Air Force personnel died after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed during a landing attempt at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam [1].

The incident highlights the risks associated with transport aircraft operations in the region. The crash occurred June 15, 2024 [3], and triggered immediate emergency responses at the military installation.

An Indian Air Force spokesperson said five personnel were killed and the co-pilot survived the crash [2]. Firefighting and rescue operations were launched immediately after the aircraft caught fire upon impact [1]. The survival of the co-pilot provides a potential lead for investigators seeking to understand the flight's final moments [2].

Defence PRO Lt. Colonel M. Rawat said, "We are assessing losses."

Local reports indicated that the aircraft was attempting to touch down at the airbase when the accident occurred [1]. The pilot was feared dead shortly after the crash [3]. Military authorities have since initiated a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the failure [1].

The AN-32 is a twin-engine turboprop transport plane used extensively by the IAF for logistics, and troop movement. While the aircraft is a staple of the fleet, the circumstances leading to this specific crash remain unknown pending the final report from the board of inquiry [1].

“Five IAF personnel killed in AN-32 crash at Jorhat air base, co‑pilot survives.”

This crash underscores the operational hazards of the AN-32 fleet in India's diverse terrain. The survival of the co-pilot is critical, as their testimony will likely determine whether the crash was caused by mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors during the landing phase.