An Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft, which took off from Jorhat at 12:27 hrs today en route to Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground, lost contact with ground agencies at approximately 13:00 hrs. The aircraft was carrying eight aircrew and five passengers on board.
Upon failure to arrive at its destination, the IAF initiated standard overdue aircraft procedures. A full-scale search and rescue operation has been launched involving C-130 and AN-32 aircraft, two Mi-17 helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) from the Indian Army.
Preliminary ground reports hint at a possible crash site, and helicopters were dispatched to the indicated location. However, no wreckage has been sighted so far.
The Indian Air Force is closely coordinating with the Indian Army and multiple government and civil agencies to trace the missing aircraft. Aerial and ground search operations will continue through the night to locate the crew and passengers.
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