Indian Air Force Antonov AN-32 transport crashes in North East

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Antonov 32 (AN-32) has crashed in the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh which borders China. A total of 12 people – two pilots, a navigator, three air crew and six army personnel, were on board the twin engined cargo aircraft.

The AN-32 plane had flown from Jorhat in Assam to Mechuka advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Siang district from where it took off again with the civilians bound for Mohanbari in Assam at around 14:00 local (08:00Z). Ten minutes later the aircraft went missing.
Photo courtesy Wikipedia.
Antonov AN-32 Indian Air Force Sutlej ClineA search that had been mounted for the aircraft had to be called off due to fading light and would be resumed only Wednesday morning, the officials said.

The Indian Air Force was the launch customer of the AN-32 which is an improved version of the AN-26. It is the workhorse of the IAF transport fleet, travelling to far off bases in the mountainous and heavily wooded north east, to deliver much-needed supplies.

A court of inquiry has been ordered. Sources say the aircraft from one of the Jorhat based (No. 43 or No. 48) transport squadrons, was piloted by two Wing Commanders (USAF rank of Lt. Colonel).

Air Force Station Yelahanka on the northern outskirts of Bangalore and located just south of Bengaluru International Airport is the main training centre for the AN-32 transport pilots.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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