World ( The cow news digital ) A transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in the northeastern state of Assam on Saturday during a routine training flight, resulting in the death of all five personnel on board, officials confirmed.
According to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the aircraft involved was an Antonov An-32, a twin-engine medium transport plane widely used for carrying troops, weapons, and military supplies. The aircraft reportedly went down near the Jorhat district while on a standard operational sortie.
In an official statement, the IAF said the aircraft encountered an unexpected incident mid-flight before crashing. Rescue and emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site following reports of the accident.
Eyewitness accounts and early visuals shared by local media showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the wreckage, with the aircraft completely disintegrated upon impact. Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, with initial evidence being collected from the site.
The Antonov An-32, originally developed in the Soviet era, has been a key part of India’s military transport fleet for decades. However, concerns about the aging aircraft fleet have persisted within defense circles due to a series of past accidents involving similar platforms.
This latest incident adds to a history of Indian Air Force aviation mishaps. In 2019, an An-32 aircraft went missing near Arunachal Pradesh close to the China border and was later found crashed, killing 13 personnel. In 2016, another An-32 vanished over the Bay of Bengal with all 29 onboard presumed dead, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the force’s transport aviation history.
More recently, in 2021, a military helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu killed India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, along with 12 others, further intensifying scrutiny over operational safety standards and maintenance protocols.
Aviation analysts have repeatedly pointed out that aging fleets, challenging terrain, and operational strain contribute to recurring incidents. The latest crash is expected to renew debates over modernization and safety upgrades within India’s military aviation structure.
As investigations continue, the Indian Air Force has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured full cooperation in determining the cause of the tragedy.
