13.06.2026 22:50
A military AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at an airbase in India's Assam state. Five air force personnel died in the accident, while the co-pilot who survived with injuries was hospitalized for treatment. An investigation has been launched into the wrecked aircraft. The crash has been recorded as the second major accident in the Indian Air Force.
Indian military cargo plane crashes: 5 people killed
An AN-32 type military transport aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force crashed while landing at an air base in Assam, India. According to initial assessments, 5 Air Force personnel lost their lives in the accident, while the co-pilot was rescued injured and is undergoing treatment.
CRASHED DURING LANDING AT AIR BASE
The Indian Air Force (IAF) announced that the Antonov AN-32 type military transport aircraft met with an accident while landing at the Jorhat Air Base in Assam state. Officials stated that the aircraft was conducting a flight as part of a routine mission.
It was reported that 5 personnel on board lost their lives in the crash. The co-pilot survived the accident and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
ONLY DEBRIS REMAINED FROM THE WRECKED AIRCRAFT
In images shared by local media, the aircraft was seen crashing into the ground within the air base and breaking apart extensively. Following the accident, numerous firefighting teams, medical personnel, and senior Air Force officials were dispatched to the scene.
While large-scale rescue and investigation efforts were launched in the area, thick black smoke rising from the wreckage site drew attention.
WITNESSES HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION
According to The Telegraph India, eyewitnesses reported hearing a powerful explosion just before the aircraft crashed. It was stated that the area was quickly covered in thick smoke after the explosion.
Security forces have completely sealed off the accident site, and investigations are ongoing at the scene.
CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION
The Indian Air Force announced that an investigation committee has been established to determine the cause of the accident. While expert teams continue their technical examinations, the exact cause of the crash will become clear after the investigations.
SECOND MAJOR ACCIDENT IN THE INDIAN AIR FORCE
The latest accident occurred after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force crashed a few months ago. Two pilots lost their lives in that accident in the Karbi Anglong region of Assam.
AN-32 type aircraft had previously come to the forefront in various accidents. In 2019, an AN-32 aircraft that took off from Jorhat Air Base went missing, and its wreckage was found in the Arunachal Pradesh region near the Chinese border after a long search operation. All 13 personnel on board lost their lives in that accident.
DESIGNED FOR CHALLENGING CONDITIONS
AN-32 type military transport aircraft, featuring a twin-engine turboprop design, were developed specifically for operating in high-altitude and harsh climatic conditions. Capable of carrying approximately 7.5 tons of cargo, these aircraft have a capacity of 50 passengers or 42 paratroopers.
The Indian Air Force has around 100 AN-32 aircraft in its inventory, and these are primarily used for delivering military supplies and humanitarian aid to remote and mountainous regions.