A tragic accident occurred in Assam on Saturday as an IAF plane crash Jorhat incident involving an AN-32 transport aircraft took place during its landing approach at the Rowriah Air Force Station. The flight, belonging to the 43 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, met with a severe accident upon contact with the runway premises, sparking a localized blaze that demanded immediate mobilization of base emergency units.
The Indian Air Force has officially confirmed the accident via a statement on social media, expressing deep concern and announcing that a high-level Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the crash. Base operations were briefly suspended as fire response teams worked to douse the flames engulfing the aircraft.
Court of Inquiry Initiated After IAF Plane Crash Jorhat
According to sources at Rowriah Airfield, the twin-engine turboprop aircraft was conducting a routine flight before losing stability on final approach. Emergency sirens blared across the airbase as firefighting tankers rushed to the crash site. While official statements have yet to provide a definitive list of casualties, defense sources suggest that five service personnel were on board, with fatal injuries reported for crew members while a co-pilot was pulled from the wreckage in critical condition.
The AN-32 has been the workhorse of the IAF’s transport fleet for over four decades, primarily used for carrying troops and supplying remote mountain bases in the Northeast. This recent crash has raised questions regarding fleet maintenance, prompting the Air Force to expedite the investigation to determine if technical malfunction or weather conditions played a role.
Assam Airfield Safety and Fleet Challenges
The Jorhat airbase is a critical hub for operations in Assam and neighboring Arunachal Pradesh. Standard landing procedures at Rowriah are often challenging due to dense surrounding vegetation and microclimates. Aviation experts point out that the aging AN-32 fleet is gradually being phased out in favor of the newer EADS CASA C-295 aircraft, but remains vital for current logistics.
Local authorities are cooperating with military investigators at the crash site. Official bulletins and formal announcements regarding the ongoing inquiry will be published directly as the investigation proceeds.
