Five Indian Air Force personnel died after an Antonov AN-32 transport aircraft crashed in Assam [1].
The incident highlights the risks associated with the aging transport fleet and the critical nature of landing operations at military air stations. The loss of five crew members represents a significant blow to the personnel of the regional command.
The aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Jorhat Air Force Station in the Jorhat district [1], [2]. Following the crash, the aircraft caught fire, resulting in the deaths of five crew members [1], [3].
An IAF spokesperson said, "We confirm the death of five IAF personnel in the AN-32 crash" [2]. While five personnel were killed, one crew member survived the accident. An IAF medical officer said, "The co-pilot is undergoing treatment at a military hospital" [2].
The Indian Air Force has launched a formal investigation into the tragedy to determine if technical failure or environmental factors contributed to the crash. The IAF spokesperson said, "A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident" [1].
Rescue and recovery operations were conducted at the site in Assam following the crash on June 8, 2024 [1], [3]. The military has not yet released the identities of the deceased personnel while the inquiry continues.
“"We confirm the death of five IAF personnel in the AN-32 crash."”
The crash of the AN-32, a Soviet-era transport plane, underscores ongoing safety concerns regarding the reliability of older aircraft within the Indian Air Force's inventory. The establishment of a Court of Inquiry suggests the military is prioritizing a transparent technical review to prevent similar accidents during landing maneuvers.
