Guwahati, June 13: An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft reportedly caught fire shortly after landing at Jorhat in Assam on Saturday, triggering an emergency response at the airbase and prompting authorities to initiate an assessment of the incident.
According to initial reports, the aircraft had successfully touched down when flames were observed emerging from the aircraft, followed by thick plumes of smoke. The incident immediately activated emergency protocols, with firefighting and rescue teams rushing to the site to contain the blaze and secure the area.
Visuals from the scene reportedly showed emergency personnel responding rapidly as flames engulfed parts of the aircraft. Firefighting teams worked to prevent the fire from spreading further while ensuring the safety of personnel in the vicinity.
As of the latest reports, officials had not released detailed information regarding the extent of damage sustained by the aircraft. There was also no immediate official confirmation regarding injuries or casualties among crew members or other personnel associated with the flight.
Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed technical investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Standard aviation safety procedures require a comprehensive examination of the aircraft, maintenance records and operational conditions whenever such incidents occur.
The AN-32 is one of the Indian Air Force’s most widely used transport aircraft and has served as a crucial logistical platform for decades. Designed to operate in challenging environments, the aircraft has played a vital role in supporting military operations, troop movements and supply missions, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions.
Its ability to operate from short and difficult airstrips has made it especially valuable in the northeastern states and along India’s Himalayan frontiers, where terrain and weather conditions often pose significant operational challenges.
The incident has once again brought attention to the long service history of the AN-32 fleet. Over the years, the aircraft has been involved in several notable accidents and incidents, often under demanding operational circumstances.
One of the most significant incidents involving the aircraft occurred in June 2019, when an AN-32 carrying 13 personnel went missing after departing from Jorhat Air Force Station for Arunachal Pradesh. Following an extensive search operation, the wreckage was eventually located in mountainous terrain, and all personnel on board were confirmed dead.
Earlier, in July 2016, another AN-32 disappeared while flying from Chennai to Port Blair with 29 personnel on board. The aircraft vanished over the Bay of Bengal, leading to one of India’s largest air and sea search operations. Despite years of efforts, the aircraft could not be immediately located, and all those aboard were presumed dead. Debris linked to the missing aircraft was later identified years after the disappearance.
Apart from these major tragedies, the AN-32 fleet has witnessed other operational incidents during its decades of service, reflecting the demanding nature of military aviation and the challenging environments in which the aircraft frequently operates.
Defence analysts note that despite its age, the AN-32 continues to remain an important component of India’s military transport capability. The fleet has undergone multiple upgrades over the years aimed at enhancing safety, avionics and operational efficiency.
The latest incident at Jorhat is expected to be examined closely by technical experts and aviation investigators. The findings could help determine whether the fire resulted from a mechanical malfunction, operational issue or another factor.
Officials have yet to issue a detailed statement on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further information is expected as assessment, recovery and investigation procedures continue at the airbase.
The prompt response of emergency teams is believed to have helped contain the situation quickly, preventing any wider impact on airbase operations. Authorities are expected to provide additional updates once preliminary findings from the investigation become available.
