Five personnel of the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost their lives after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday.
The accident took place at the Jorhat air base when the twin-engine turboprop aircraft was approaching the runway for landing. The crash triggered a major emergency response at the airfield.
IAF Mourns Loss of Personnel
In an official statement, the IAF expressed grief over the tragic loss of its personnel. “Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” the statement said.
The Air Force paid tribute to the five personnel who died while serving the nation.
Court of Inquiry Ordered
Following the accident, the IAF ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. Officials will investigate the circumstances that led to the aircraft going down during its landing attempt at Jorhat Air Force Station.
The inquiry is expected to examine technical, operational and environmental factors related to the incident.
Aircraft Split Into Two After Crash
Visuals from the crash site showed extensive damage to the aircraft. The AN-32 appeared to have split into two sections after hitting the airstrip. Wreckage lay near the runway as rescue teams, firefighters and emergency personnel rushed to the scene.
Emergency workers worked to control the fire and secure the area following the crash.
AN-32 Plays Key Role in IAF Operations
The AN-32 is a twin-engine military transport aircraft that serves as an important part of the IAF's transport fleet. The aircraft is widely used for logistics operations, cargo transport and operational support missions. It regularly flies in challenging environments, including remote locations and high-altitude regions across India.
Over the years, the AN-32 has played a vital role in supporting military operations, troop movements and supply missions in difficult terrain.
Investigation Underway
The crash has raised fresh concerns about aviation safety and operational risks involving military transport aircraft. As investigators begin their probe, authorities will focus on establishing what caused the accident and whether any mechanical or operational issues contributed to the tragedy.
The loss of five Air Force personnel has cast a shadow over the service, with the IAF and the nation mourning those who died in the line of duty.