Reports and videos poured in from our eastern neighbour, showing a tragedy. An Antonov An-32 transport plane crashed after experiencing instability during its final landing phase. After veering off the runway, the aircraft broke its wings, leading to a sudden fuel leak that quickly set the plane ablaze. According to the statement released by the IAF, this catastrophic incident took place during a routine sortie at the Jorhat Air Base in Assam, which operates two An-32 and one MI-17 squadrons. In the circulated video, a fighter parked on the tarmac can also be seen. The An-32 crash proved fatal and led to the death of all five onboard personnel. This accident was yet another in the history of IAF An-32s, as it has been involved in more than 18 major accidents, raising questions about the IAF's safety record. While the initial inquiry into the incident is ongoing alongside crash site management, the accident is a matter of concern for me as a former pilot. This is because I value safety for all. Alongside contributing to the aircraft's attrition rate, the An-32 accident also revealed insufficient management of the Air Base's crash and rescue facilities.

In the CCTV footage, it has become apparent that the aircraft had not declared any abnormality prior to the landing phase.........

© The Nation