Five IAF Personnel Killed as An-32 Crashes at Assam Airport

JORHAT, Assam, India — June 22, 2026

Five Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel were killed Saturday when an Antonov An-32RE transport aircraft crashed during landing at Jorhat-Rowriah Airport (JRH/VEJT) in Assam, India. The sole survivor, the co-pilot, is receiving medical treatment for serious injuries.

The aircraft — registration KA2678, operated by the IAF's 43 Squadron — was conducting a routine cargo sortie when it veered off runway 04 during landing at approximately 10:00 local time, according to reports from Aerospace Global News and Al Jazeera.

Video footage of the incident captures the aircraft rolling through the grass along the left side of runway 04, crossing a taxiway, and nosediving into a ditch before bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.

Investigation Underway

The Indian Air Force confirmed the fatalities and announced that a court of inquiry has been constituted to investigate the cause of the crash. The airbase was sealed following the accident to allow senior officials and investigators to secure the site.

Fleet Context

The crash has renewed scrutiny over the age and operational tempo of the IAF's An-32 fleet, which entered Indian service in 1984 and remains a frontline transport workhorse. This is among the most serious An-32 accidents involving the IAF in recent years, following previous fatal incidents with the type since 2016.

Sources: Aviation Safety Network, Aerospace Global News, Al Jazeera, Newsflare

Five IAF Personnel Killed as An-32 Crashes at Assam Airport