Indian Air Force plane crash kills five personnel

Key facts

• An Indian Air Force An-32 transport aircraft crashed at Jorhat, Assam.
• Five IAF personnel were killed in the crash.
• The co-pilot survived the accident.
• The aircraft was on a routine sortie.
• The IAF has initiated an investigation into the incident.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) An-32 transport aircraft crashed on Saturday morning during a routine sortie near Rowriah airbase in Jorhat, Assam, resulting in the deaths of five personnel. The co-pilot, however, miraculously survived the crash and is currently receiving treatment.

The IAF confirmed the fatalities and extended its condolences to the bereaved families. The deceased have been identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat, and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. The force has launched a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and requested the public to refrain from speculation until preliminary results are available.

The An-32 aircraft is described as the backbone of the IAF's medium-lift fleet, with approximately 100 such aircraft currently in operation. Originally designed in the Soviet Union, it is known for its capability in remote and high-altitude regions and is used for tactical airlifting, troop transport, and resupply. However, the fleet is aging, and the IAF is planning to replace it with newer aircraft like the Airbus C-295.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his deep anguish over the loss of the air warriors, stating that their service to the nation would always be remembered. This incident marks the third major An-32 crash in the Northeast region since 2009.