Assam IAF crash: Five AN-32 personnel killed at Jorhat airbase
Synopsis
An IAF AN-32 transport aircraft burst into flames after landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, killing five personnel. The crash has prompted an official investigation, with the IAF urging the public to avoid speculation. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was among the first political figures to offer condolences.
Key Takeaways
Five IAF personnel were killed when an AN-32 aircraft crashed and caught fire at Jorhat Air Force Station, Assam on 13 June .
The incident occurred at approximately 10 am IST during a routine sortie.
The IAF confirmed the crash and urged the public to refrain from speculation pending preliminary enquiry results.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed condolences on X , calling the incident 'deeply saddening'.
Identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released .
A formal investigation is expected to be ordered to determine the cause of the crash.
At least five Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel were killed on Saturday, 13 June when an AN-32 transport aircraft burst into flames shortly after landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10 am IST, triggered an immediate emergency response from Air Force and airport firefighting teams.
What Happened at Jorhat
The Soviet-origin AN-32, a twin-engine tactical transport aircraft, was on a routine sortie when it met with an accident during landing. According to an official IAF statement, the crash took place at approximately 1000 hours at Jorhat, Assam. The aircraft reportedly caught fire shortly after touchdown. 'An IAF AN-32 aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie today at approximately 1000h at Jorhat, Assam. Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time. IAF requests everyone to refrain from speculation till preliminary results are in,' the IAF said in a statement.
Casualties and Official Response
Defence officials confirmed that five personnel lost their lives in the incident. The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released. The IAF expressed its condolences, stating: 'IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief.' A detailed investigation is expected to be ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident, with technical experts and Air Force authorities already examining the crash site.
Priyanka Gandhi Condoles the Deaths
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took to social media platform X to express her grief. 'The news of the martyrdom of five brave soldiers in an Air Force plane crash in Assam is deeply saddening. May God grant peace to the departed souls. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families,' she wrote. She added: 'The nation will forever remain indebted to our brave soldiers and their families.'
Background: The AN-32 in IAF Service
The AN-32 has served as a key workhorse of the IAF for decades, particularly in difficult terrains and high-altitude sectors across the Northeast and along the Himalayan frontier. The aircraft's role in remote and challenging operating environments makes it indispensable, though its age and operational demands have periodically raised safety concerns. This is not the first time the AN-32 fleet has been involved in a serious incident — a previous AN-32 went missing over the Bay of Bengal in 2016, with its wreckage discovered only in 2017.
Investigation Underway
Initial enquiries are currently underway at the crash site. Further details regarding the precise circumstances leading to the accident remain awaited. The IAF has urged restraint from speculation pending the preliminary findings of the investigation.
Point of View
Which has seen multiple serious incidents over the decades. While the cause of Saturday's accident is yet to be determined, the broader question of fleet modernisation and replacement timelines cannot be deferred indefinitely. The IAF has been in discussions over AN-32 upgrades and potential replacements for years, but budgetary and procurement constraints have slowed progress. Each such tragedy sharpens the urgency of that conversation — and the accountability owed to the families of those who fly these aircraft.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Assam IAF plane crash on 13 June?
An IAF AN-32 transport aircraft crashed and burst into flames shortly after landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam at approximately 10 am IST on 13 June. Five IAF personnel were killed in the incident.
What is the AN-32 aircraft?
The AN-32 is a Soviet-origin twin-engine tactical transport aircraft that has served the IAF for decades. It is primarily used in challenging terrains, including high-altitude sectors in Northeast India and along the Himalayan frontier.
Has the IAF launched an investigation into the Jorhat crash?
Yes, crash site management and initial enquiries are underway. A detailed formal investigation is expected to be ordered to determine the precise cause of the accident. The IAF has asked the public to refrain from speculation until preliminary findings are available.
What did Priyanka Gandhi say about the IAF crash?
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra posted condolences on X, describing the news as 'deeply saddening' and expressing her grief over the loss of 'five brave soldiers.' She also said the nation would remain 'forever indebted' to its soldiers and their families.
Have the identities of the five IAF personnel been released?
As of the latest available information, the identities of the five personnel killed in the Jorhat crash have not been officially released by defence authorities.
