Reports and videos from India have revealed a tragic incident: an Antonov An-32 transport plane crashed after experiencing instability during its final landing phase at Jorhat Air Base in Assam. The aircraft veered off the runway, broke its wings, and suffered a fuel leak that quickly ignited, engulfing the plane in flames. The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that all five personnel onboard died in the crash, which occurred during a routine sortie.
Crash Details and Initial Response
The Jorhat Air Base operates two An-32 squadrons and one MI-17 squadron. CCTV footage showed that the aircraft did not declare any abnormality before landing. The fire services responded within the standard three-minute window, but their efforts were hampered by procedural flaws. The first two fire vehicles approached from the starboard side: one parked at the front, the other alongside the middle section of the wreckage. The first vehicle attempted a rain-down technique to apply extinguishing agent, but it missed the aircraft. It then aimed at the cockpit area, the only visible exit, possibly to create an opening for crew escape. However, this proved ineffective, wasting extinguishing agent without suppressing the fire or enabling escape. Later, the vehicle switched to a direct attack via its roof monitor. The second vehicle initially shot at the wrong angle, missing the fire, but eventually coordinated with the first vehicle to reduce fire intensity significantly.
Firefighting Shortcomings
Both vehicles eventually ran out of extinguishing material and left their positions but remained at the scene instead of retreating to the fire station for recharge, indicating panic and lack of procedural adherence. A third fire tender arrived from the aircraft's rear but was positioned too far away, making its extinguishing material ineffective. The firefighting vehicles were not positioned on the fire side of the aircraft, minimizing their effectiveness. The second vehicle could have been placed to protect the fuselage's critical tail port side. Furthermore, the vehicles remained on hard surfaces, showing hesitation to operate from unprepared ground despite being equipped with all-wheel drive, highlighting inadequate training and management.
Broader Concerns in Indian Armed Forces
This accident is another in a history of over 18 major An-32 crashes, raising questions about IAF safety. The crash also revealed insufficient crash and rescue facilities at the air base. The Indian government continues to invest in advanced platforms and fighters but shows apathy towards personnel welfare. Issues such as poor-quality food, substandard working conditions, and inadequate high-altitude winter gear have been raised, leading to protests by soldiers in September 2025. The high suicide rate within the Indian Armed Forces indicates unmet basic needs. Indian leadership should focus on resolving these concerns rather than engaging in machinations against Pakistan.
Conclusion
While crashes are an unfortunate reality in aviation, this tragedy exposed glaring deficiencies in IAF human resource preparedness and systemic shortcomings. Until fundamental issues are resolved, human losses will remain a reminder of misplaced priorities. May the departed souls rest in peace.
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd) is the President at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore. He can be reached at info@casslhr.com.
