Five Indian Air Force personnel died after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed at Roureah Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday. The co-pilot survived the accident and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Indian Air Force expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. It also confirmed that authorities had launched an investigation into the crash.
Inquiry Ordered After Deadly Crash
According to the Indian Air Force, the aircraft crashed while landing at the strategically important airbase. The transport aircraft was reportedly flying from Arunachal Pradesh to Jorhat when the accident occurred.
Immediately after the crash, emergency response teams rushed to the scene. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.
A local resident described seeing the aircraft’s tail section surrounded by thick black smoke. The witness also reported hearing a massive explosion that shook the surrounding area.
However, officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash. Investigators will examine the wreckage as part of the ongoing inquiry.
AN-32 Aircraft Has Long Accident History
The AN-32 transport aircraft has remained a key logistics platform for the Indian Air Force. It regularly delivers supplies and supports military operations across remote regions.
However, the aircraft has experienced around 22 crashes in India since 1986. The most recent AN-32 accident occurred in 2025.
Earlier this year, an Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet also crashed during a routine training mission near Jorhat. Additionally, an AN-32 crashed in Arunachal Pradesh in 2019, killing all 13 personnel onboard.
Despite its accident history, the AN-32 continues supporting military logistics, particularly in areas near the Line of Actual Control with China.
