IAF AN-32 crash at Jorhat kills 5 personnel; Kharge, Priyanka condole
Synopsis
An IAF AN-32 transport aircraft burst into flames on landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on 13 June, killing five personnel. The crash has prompted a formal inquiry and drawn condolences from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who both paid tribute on X to the fallen soldiers.
Key Takeaways
Five IAF personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed and caught fire at Jorhat Air Force Station , Assam, on 13 June .
The accident occurred at approximately 10 am IST during a routine sortie , shortly after the aircraft touched down.
The IAF confirmed the incident and urged the public to refrain from speculation pending preliminary inquiry results.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra both posted condolences on platform X .
The identities of the five deceased personnel have not yet been officially released.
A detailed investigation is underway, with technical experts examining the crash site.
Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed on Saturday, 13 June after an IAF AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident during landing at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam and burst into flames. The tragedy drew immediate condolences from senior Indian National Congress (INC) leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Member of Parliament.
What Happened at Jorhat
According to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the AN-32 aircraft was on a routine sortie when it landed at Jorhat Air Force Station at approximately 10 am IST. The aircraft reportedly burst into flames shortly after touchdown, triggering an immediate emergency response from Air Force and airport firefighting teams.
In an official statement, the IAF said: '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.'
Defence officials subsequently confirmed that five personnel lost their lives. The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released, and the circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation.
IAF Expresses Condolences
The Indian Air Force expressed its grief over the tragedy, 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 determine the cause of the accident, with technical experts and Air Force authorities already examining the crash site.
Congress Leaders Pay Tribute
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on social media platform X, saying: 'Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of five bravehearts in the Indian Air Force aircraft crash in Assam. My heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones in this moment of grief. We salute their service and selfless sacrifice, and will forever remain indebted to them and their families.'
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress MP, also took to X to share her condolences: '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 added: 'The nation will forever remain indebted to our brave soldiers and their families.'
What Comes Next
A formal Court of Inquiry is expected to be convened to establish the sequence of events leading to the crash. The AN-32, a Soviet-origin twin-turboprop transport workhorse, has been the backbone of IAF tactical airlift operations for decades, particularly in the Northeast. This incident is likely to prompt a review of the aircraft's operational status across the fleet. Further details on the identities of the deceased and the findings of the preliminary inquiry are awaited.
Point of View
A difficult Northeast operating environment, and past accidents have all featured in parliamentary and defence committee reviews. Five deaths in a landing accident at a well-equipped base like Jorhat will sharpen questions about the aircraft's continued operational viability and the pace of its replacement programme. Political condolences are expected and appropriate, but the harder accountability question — why the aircraft caught fire on touchdown — belongs to the Court of Inquiry that must now follow. The IAF's own statement urging restraint on speculation is a signal that the preliminary findings may take time; the public and the families of the deceased deserve a transparent and timely answer.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the IAF plane crash in Assam 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, according to defence officials.
Which aircraft was involved in the Jorhat IAF crash?
The aircraft involved was an AN-32, a Soviet-origin twin-turboprop transport plane that has been a primary tactical airlift workhorse for the IAF, particularly in northeastern India. It was on a routine sortie at the time of the accident.
Who has condoled the deaths of the five IAF personnel?
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra both posted condolences on social media platform X. The IAF itself also expressed deep regret and stated it stands with the bereaved families.
Have the identities of the five IAF personnel killed been released?
As of the latest available information, the identities of the five deceased IAF personnel have not been officially released. Defence officials confirmed the death toll but withheld names pending formal notification of next of kin.
What investigation is being conducted into the Jorhat IAF crash?
The IAF has confirmed that crash site management and initial enquiries are underway, with technical experts examining the site. A formal detailed investigation is expected to be ordered to determine the cause of the accident.
