Five Indian Air Force personnel lost their lives after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Rowriah Air Force Station in Assam’s Jorhat district on Saturday morning.
The aircraft went down at around 10 am during its landing approach to the airbase. Following the crash, it caught fire and broke into two sections, prompting an emergency response from personnel stationed at the base.
Those who lost their lives in the accident have been identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. One co-pilot survived the crash and is undergoing treatment.
The Indian Air Force said the aircraft was on a routine flight when the accident occurred. It urged the public not to speculate about the cause until preliminary findings are available and announced a Court of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
“The aircraft was on a routine mission. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the Air Force said.
The AN-32 is a tactical transport aircraft used extensively by the Indian Air Force for moving troops, military equipment and logistical supplies. The fleet has served as a key part of the force’s transport operations since the 1980s and is known for operating in high-altitude and difficult terrain.
According to reports, the Indian Air Force is planning to replace its ageing AN-32 and IL-76 transport aircraft with a new generation of Medium Transport Aircraft to meet future operational requirements.
The crash is the latest military aviation accident reported this year. In March, a Su-30MKI fighter aircraft crashed during a training mission in Assam, resulting in the loss of both pilots on board.
Among those who lost their lives on Saturday was Agniveervayu Danish Alam, a resident of Bihar’s Bhojpur district. Family members said he had returned to duty on May 30 after spending time at home. He joined the Indian Air Force under the Agniveer scheme in October 2025.
Investigators are expected to examine operational records, maintenance history and wreckage evidence as part of the inquiry.
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