Jorhat: An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Air Force Station in Assam’s Jorhat on Saturday, prompting an immediate emergency response and the launch of a formal investigation into the incident.
The aircraft reportedly met with the accident during the landing phase of its flight. Fire and rescue teams were rushed to the site shortly after the crash, with videos and images emerging from the airbase showing smoke and flames engulfing parts of the aircraft.
Authorities quickly secured the area as rescue personnel worked to assess the situation and provide assistance to those on board. Initial reports indicated that the aircraft suffered substantial damage following the impact.
Court of Inquiry Ordered
The Indian Air Force confirmed the accident and announced that a Court of Inquiry has been constituted to determine the exact cause of the crash. Investigators are expected to examine all aspects of the incident, including technical performance, weather conditions, and operational factors.
Officials have not yet released detailed information regarding casualties or injuries, and further updates are awaited as the inquiry progresses.
An IAF An-32 aircraft met with an accident today while landing at Jorhat.
A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident. @DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD@HQ_IDS_India@adgpi@IndiannavyMedia@indiannavy
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 13, 2026
AN-32: The IAF’s Workhorse Transport Aircraft
The AN-32 has long been a backbone of the Indian Air Force’s transport fleet. Known for its ability to operate from short and high-altitude airstrips, the aircraft is extensively used for troop movement, logistics support, humanitarian missions, and the transportation of supplies to remote and strategically important regions.
The aircraft has played a critical role in sustaining military operations in India’s northeastern states, the Himalayas, and other challenging terrains where conventional transport aircraft face operational limitations.
#BreakingNews | Pilot may have lost life. The crash happened while plane was attempting landing: IAF releases statement after an AN-32 plane crashes in Assam@kaidensharmaa, Niloy Bhattacharya shares more information#India #Assam #IAF | @Elizasherine pic.twitter.com/gNZxEHJywT
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 13, 2026
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency response teams, including Air Force personnel and firefighting units, were deployed immediately after the crash to contain the fire and secure the wreckage. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of personnel and gathering evidence to establish the sequence of events leading to the accident.
The incident comes as the Indian Air Force continues efforts to modernize and upgrade its fleet while maintaining operational readiness across multiple theatres. The findings of the inquiry are expected to provide greater clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crash.
