Tragic AN-32 Crash Claims Lives of Five IAF Personnel in Jorhat

A devastating crash of an AN-32 transport aircraft at Rowriah Air Force Station in Jorhat has resulted in the deaths of five Indian Air Force personnel. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, leading to immediate rescue efforts and widespread panic among local residents. The IAF has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and is conducting an investigation into the accident. This tragic event marks the third major incident involving the AN-32 in recent years, raising concerns about the aircraft's safety record.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2026, 15:32 IST

Fatal Incident at Rowriah Air Force Station

Jorhat, June 13: A tragic accident occurred on Saturday morning when an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed at Rowriah Air Force Station in Jorhat, resulting in the deaths of five Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel and causing alarm among local residents.

The victims have been identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat, and Agniveervayu Danish Alam.

The IAF expressed its sorrow over the loss, stating, "IAF extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and stands firmly with them in this hour of grief," through a social media update.

Reports indicate that the aircraft took off around 9:45 am from Jorhat, en route to Chabua for a paradrop mission.

Shortly after departure, the aircraft requested to return for landing. During its approach, it veered off the runway, crossed a parallel taxiway, and broke into two parts before igniting. Rescue operations commenced immediately.

In a previous announcement, the IAF confirmed that the incident occurred during a routine sortie in Jorhat, and investigations were underway. They urged the public to avoid speculation until initial findings were released.

Thick black and white smoke was observed rising from the crash site.

A local eyewitness recounted the event, stating, "Suddenly, we saw thick black and white smoke rising from the area. We also heard a loud explosion-like sound, unlike anything we had heard before. It created panic among people in the vicinity."

The AN-32, a Soviet-designed twin-engine tactical transport aircraft, has been a vital asset for the IAF for decades, especially in difficult terrains and high-altitude regions across the Northeast and the Himalayan border. This aircraft was first introduced to the IAF in 1984.

This incident marks the third significant accident involving the AN-32 in the past decade, representing the deadliest period in the aircraft's operational history in India. Since 2016, at least 42 IAF personnel have lost their lives in AN-32 crashes.

Notably, on July 22, 2016, an AN-32 disappeared over the Bay of Bengal while traveling from Tambaram Air Force Station in Chennai to Port Blair, resulting in the loss of all 29 individuals on board.

Additionally, on June 3, 2019, another AN-32 crashed in hilly terrain while heading to Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh's West Siang district, near the China border, claiming the lives of all 13 personnel aboard.