IAF AN-32 Catches Fire After Landing at Jorhat Air Base; Inquiry Likely

Guwahati: An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft caught fire shortly after landing at the airbase in Assam’s Jorhat on Saturday, prompting an immediate emergency response, officials said.

According to preliminary reports, flames and thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the aircraft moments after touchdown, leading to swift action by airport and IAF emergency teams.

Firefighting personnel rushed to the scene and worked to bring the blaze under control. Authorities have not yet disclosed the extent of damage to the aircraft, and there was no immediate information regarding any casualties.

A detailed investigation is expected to be ordered to determine the cause of the incident.

The Soviet-era AN-32, a twin-engine tactical transport aircraft, has long been a crucial part of the IAF’s fleet, especially for operations in high-altitude and remote regions of the Northeast and along the Himalayan frontier.

The incident has renewed focus on the aircraft’s operational history. In June 2019, an AN-32 carrying 13 personnel disappeared after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station for Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh. Following an extensive search, the wreckage was found in the mountainous terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, and all onboard were declared dead.

Earlier, in July 2016, another AN-32 vanished over the Bay of Bengal while flying from Chennai to Port Blair with 29 personnel on board. Despite one of the country’s largest search operations, the aircraft remained missing for years. Debris linked to the aircraft was eventually identified in 2024, and all personnel were presumed dead.

Over the years, the AN-32 fleet has also been involved in several other accidents and operational incidents, including crashes in Arunachal Pradesh and mishaps at military airfields.

The Indian Air Force is yet to issue an official statement on the Jorhat incident. More details are expected as assessment and investigation efforts continue.
 

With inputs from IANS