IAF AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Landing at Assam's Jorhat Air Force Station, Pilot Feared Dead

Jorhat, Assam:* An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed and caught fire while attempting to land at the Air Force Station in Assam's Jorhat on Saturday morning, triggering concern among defence officials and local authorities.

According to initial reports, the AN-32 aircraft went down within the Air Force Station premises during landing operations. The impact reportedly sparked a fire, causing significant damage to the aircraft. Rescue and emergency response teams rushed to the site immediately after the incident.

Authorities have not yet released official details regarding casualties. However, reports suggest that the pilot is feared dead. The Indian Air Force has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the incident and said that the state government is closely monitoring the situation.

"We are aware of the IAF transport aircraft accident in Jorhat. We are awaiting further details," the Chief Minister stated.

The Antonov AN-32 is a twin-engine military transport aircraft that has served as one of the Indian Air Force's most reliable workhorses for decades. Designed specifically for Indian operational requirements, the aircraft is capable of functioning efficiently in extreme weather conditions, including high-altitude airfields and hot tropical climates.

The IAF currently operates around 100 AN-32 aircraft, which are extensively used for troop movement, cargo transportation, supply drops in remote regions, and humanitarian assistance missions. The aircraft can carry up to 7.5 tonnes of cargo, 50 passengers, or 42 paratroopers.

The latest crash comes just months after another tragic Air Force accident in Assam. On March 5, two IAF pilots lost their lives when a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in the remote hills of Karbi Anglong district. The fighter aircraft had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station for a routine sortie before losing contact with ground control and eventually crashing around 60 kilometres away from Jorhat.

Further updates on the AN-32 crash are awaited as investigation and rescue operations continue.