Key Facts
An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crash-landed at the Jorhat Air Force station in Assam on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The aircraft split into two upon impact, and the pilot is feared dead. Emergency response teams rushed to the site for firefighting and rescue operations.
Details of the Incident
The accident occurred while the twin-engine turboprop aircraft was making a landing at the Jorhat airbase. Videos from the scene showed the wreckage lying adjacent to the runway, with rescue workers attempting to douse flames that erupted after the crash. The IAF confirmed the incident in a statement, saying, 'An IAF An-32 aircraft met with an accident today while landing at Jorhat. A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident.'
Historical Context
This is not the first AN-32 mishap in the region. In 2019, an AN-32 aircraft crashed over Arunachal Pradesh after taking off from Jorhat. That flight was en route to an advanced landing ground at Mechuka in Shi Yomi district when it lost contact with ground control. The wreckage was later found 16 km north of Lipo, northeast of Tato, with no survivors.
Impact and Response
The crash has raised concerns about the safety of the aging AN-32 fleet. The IAF has initiated a court of inquiry to determine the cause. Meanwhile, rescue operations have concluded, and authorities are investigating the incident. The pilot's family has been notified.
What Readers Should Know
- The AN-32 is a Soviet-origin twin-engine transport aircraft used by the IAF for logistics and troop transport.
- Jorhat airbase is a key IAF station in northeastern India.
- The 2019 crash remains one of the worst AN-32 accidents in recent years.
FAQ
What happened to the IAF AN-32 aircraft in Jorhat?
The AN-32 transport aircraft crash-landed at Jorhat Air Force station in Assam on June 13, 2026, splitting into two. The pilot is feared dead.
Has a similar AN-32 crash occurred before?
Yes, in 2019, an AN-32 crashed over Arunachal Pradesh after taking off from Jorhat, killing all 13 on board.
What is the cause of the crash?
The cause is yet to be ascertained. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the accident.