Published Jun 13, 2026 | 2:38 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 13, 2026 | 5:18 PM
The crashed AN-32. Credit: x.com/samartoor3086
Synopsis: An Indian Air Force AN‑32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat’s Rowriah airbase in Assam today. The cargo plane from 43 Squadron burst into flames, prompting rescue efforts. Senior IAF officials sealed the site as probe began.
In a tragic incident on Saturday 13 June, an Indian Air Force AN‑32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Assam’s Jorhat Air Force Station, killing at least five personnel.
The aircraft, part of 43 Squadron, burst into flames upon impact, prompting immediate firefighting and rescue operations.
The IAF confirmed the accident and has constituted a Court of Inquiry to determine the cause. Senior officials rushed to the site, which has been sealed for investigation. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion and heavy smoke rising from the airbase.
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 not in.
IAF deeply…
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 13, 2026
In a later X post, the Air Force identified the deceased.
“Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” the IAF said on its X handle.
The AN‑32, a Soviet‑origin twin‑engine turboprop inducted in the 1980s, has long served as the backbone of the IAF’s transport fleet, operating in challenging terrains across the Northeast and Himalayan frontier.
However, the aircraft has a history of accidents, with more than 20 crashes recorded since 1986.
This latest tragedy comes months after a Sukhoi‑30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.
The incident has renewed concerns over the ageing AN‑32 fleet and intensified calls for modern replacements under India’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme.
