**Title: Five Indian Air Force Personnel Killed in Assam Transport Plane Crash**
**Date: June 13, 2026**
In a tragic incident, five personnel from the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost their lives when their Antonov An-32 transport aircraft crashed in the Jorhat region of Assam. The aircraft was reportedly on a routine sortie when it met with an accident, as confirmed by IAF officials in a statement released on Saturday.
The crash has drawn attention to the operational safety of the IAF's fleet, which includes approximately 105 Antonov An-32 aircraft. These twin-engine turboprop planes are primarily used for transporting personnel and cargo across various missions.
Images from the crash site, as broadcasted by news channel NDTV, depict a scene of devastation, with a thick plume of black smoke rising from the wreckage, which appeared to be scattered across the area. The IAF has initiated crash site management and initial inquiries, and a formal investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the accident.
This incident marks a significant loss for the Indian Air Force, which has faced challenges with the safety of its aircraft in the past. The last notable crash involving an An-32 occurred in 2019 in Arunachal Pradesh, where 13 individuals were killed near the border with China.
As the investigation continues, the IAF is likely to review its operational protocols and safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.