Five Indian Air Force crew members died when a Russian-made Antonov An-32 crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on June 13 at about 10:00 a.m. The IAF confirmed the fatalities, named the five airmen and said crash-site management and initial enquiries are underway. Footage showed the aircraft broken on the ground and families have received the remains, with full military honours reported. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
Five Indian Air Force Crew Killed As Antonov An-32 Crashes While Landing At Jorhat
From Left: Sgt Jitendra Sharma; Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh; Flt Lt Shubham KumarCredit: Indian Air Force/X
Five Indian Air Force crew members were killed when a Russian-made Antonov An-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on June 13 at about 10:00 a.m. local time.
What Happened
The IAF said the aircraft went down during a routine sortie. In a post on X, the service said that 'crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time' and urged the public to refrain from speculation until preliminary findings are released.
From Left: Agv Khemaram Kumawat and Agv Danish AlamCredit: Indian Air Force/X
Crew And Casualties
'Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,' the IAF said in a follow-up post.
The IAF extended condolences to the bereaved families and said it stands firmly with them during this hour of grief. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X that he was 'deeply anguished' and praised the crew's courage and service to the nation.
Eyewitness Accounts And Footage
Local media and footage obtained by The Times of India showed the An-32 broken into sections on the ground with clouds of smoke rising from the scene. Authorities were conducting crash-site management and initial inquiries at the location.
Stock image of Indian Air Force transport An-32 aircraftCredit: Getty
Family Reactions
The mother of Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar told India Today she had spoken with her son the morning before the accident. She recalled his recent visit home and said she never thought he 'would leave and never return.' The remains of the five servicemen have been transported to their hometowns for last rites and full military honours were reported to be scheduled for June 14.
About The Aircraft
The Antonov An-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft widely used by the Indian Air Force for cargo, logistics and operational missions. The type has been in service in India for decades and is capable of operating at altitudes approaching 15,000 feet, according to local reports.
Investigations are ongoing. The Indian Air Force has been contacted for further comment.
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