Indian Air Force's aircraft crashes in Assam

An Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft crashed in Jorhat, Assam, on Saturday morning, June 13. The accident occurred during landing at the air base, and the aircraft caught fire immediately after crashing. The Air Force has confirmed the incident and said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.

Preliminary information indicates that the aircraft broke apart inside the Air Force Station during landing, and fire subsequently spread. Emergency response teams arrived at the scene shortly after the accident and began working to control the fire.

No information on casualties was immediately available. The cause of the crash is also not yet known. The Indian Air Force said further details will be provided after reviewing the situation.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "We are aware of the incident of the Air Force transport aircraft crash in Jorhat. We are awaiting further details."

The AN-32 is a twin-engine turboprop military transport aircraft that has been in the Indian Air Force fleet for a long time. Approximately 100 aircraft of this model, custom-built by the Soviet Union according to India's requirements, are currently in service. The aircraft is capable of operating in adverse weather and high-altitude bases and can carry approximately 7.5 tonnes of cargo, 50 passengers, or 42 paratroopers. It is regularly used for supplying remote areas.

Earlier on March 5, a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, killing two pilots. On that day, the aircraft lost contact with ground control at 7:42 pm after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station for a routine flight. It was later reported to have crashed in a remote hilly area about 60 kilometres away.