IAF AN‑32 Transport Aircraft Crashes at Jorhat Air Force Station – No Lives Lost

Early on Thursday morning, a low‑rising plume of smoke curled over the runway at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The source? An Indian Air Force AN‑32 transport aircraft that abruptly lost altitude and touched down hard, skidding to a halt before catching fire.

Eyewitnesses say the four‑engine turboprop seemed to be on a routine training sortie when, without any obvious warning, it descended sharply. Within moments, the plane’s left wing struck the ground, causing the fuselage to tilt and the engine nacelles to sputter. The ensuing flames were quickly doused by ground crews, who rushed to the scene with fire‑tenders and emergency equipment.

Thankfully, the eight crew members on board – pilots, co‑pilots and technical staff – managed to evacuate unharmed. They emerged shaken but alive, thanks in part to the rapid response of the base’s rescue team. Medical personnel on standby checked them over, and none required hospitalization.

Higher‑ranking officials from the Indian Air Force arrived shortly after the incident. In a brief statement, the IAF’s spokesperson expressed relief that there were no fatalities, but emphasized that a thorough investigation would be conducted. “We are committed to uncovering exactly why this AN‑32 experienced a hard landing,” the spokesperson said. “Our safety protocols will be reviewed and any lessons learned will be implemented across the service.”

Preliminary speculation points to possible mechanical failure or an unexpected weather dip, but investigators are withholding conclusions until a full technical analysis is completed. The crash adds to a recent series of IAF incidents that have prompted calls for more rigorous maintenance checks and updated training modules.

For now, the Jorhat community is grateful for the safe outcome, while the Air Force works diligently behind the scenes to piece together the puzzle. As families await further updates, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in military aviation.