An Antonov An-32 transport plane of the Indian Air Force crashed in Assam’s Jorhat region on June 13, killing all five personnel onboard during a routine sortie [1, 2]. The Indian Air Force said the aircraft met with an accident while flying its scheduled mission in the area [2].
The IAF operates around 105 An-32 aircraft, which are primarily used to transport troops and cargo across the country [1]. The crash is the latest in a series of incidents involving this aircraft type. The last major crash of an An-32 occurred in 2019 in Arunachal Pradesh, where 13 people lost their lives [1].
Officials have said that crash site management and initial inquiries are currently underway to determine the cause of the accident [1, 2]. A court of inquiry has been set up by the Indian Air Force to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash and to provide recommendations [2].
The investigation aims to address any operational or technical issues to prevent future tragedies. The Indian Air Force has not disclosed further details pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The An-32 remains a key transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force despite past accidents. Authorities will continue their probe until the court of inquiry submits its report.
