Stranded 15-Member Rescue Team Airlifted From AN-32 Crash Site
The aircraft was headed to Menchuka air field of Arunachal Pradesh with 13 persons onboard.
The Indian Air Force, on Thursday, 13 June, said that there were no survivors found at the crash site of the IAF AN-32 aircraft, 16 kms north of Lipo in Arunachal Pradesh.
The 15-member team of rescuers were on Saturday, 29 June airlifted from the site, after being stranded there for 17 days due to inclement weather. All the 15 members — eight IAF personnel, four from the Army and three civilians — were retrieved with the help of Advanced Light Helicopters and Mi-17V5 helicopters.
The area is thickly forested and has reportedly been seeing heavy rains.
- 11 June 2019: The Indian Air Force located the wreckage of the AN-32 aircraft that went missing on Monday, 3 June with 13 people on board
- 09 June 2019: An aerial search operation could not be undertaken due to bad weather
- 08 June 2019: The IAF announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for any information leading to the discovery of the missing AN-32
- 07 June 2019: IAF deployed Global 5000 surveillance aircraft and NTRO spy satellites along with other assets to assist with the search
- 03 June 2019: IAF launched Sukhoi-30’s & a C-130J Hercules aircraft to begin search operations
- 03 June 2019: An AN-32 carrier aircraft of the IAF went missing with 13 people on board after taking off from the Jorhat Airport in Assam
15-Member Rescue Team Airlifted From AN-32 Crash Site
A 15-member rescue team that recovered the bodies and debris from the AN-32 crash was airlifted on Saturday, 29 June from the site, after being stranded there for 17 days due to inclement weather. All the 15 members of the rescue team -- eight IAF personnel, four from the Army and three civilians — were retrieved with the help of Advanced Light Helicopters and Mi-17V5 helicopters.
IAF's Effort to Retrieve Bodies of AN-32 Crew Delayed Due to Bad Weather
The IAF has said that the effort to retrieve the mortal remains of the 13 personnel who died in the AN-32 crash has been hampered due to inclement weather.
UP CM Adityanath Pays Tribute to Air Warriors Killed in AN-32 Crash
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to the 13 people, including one from Lucknow, on board the ill-fated AN-32 aircraft that crashed in Arunachal Pradesh.
In a statement issued in Lucknow, Adityanath said he saluted them. He also conveyed his condolences to the family members of Non-Combatant Putali, a resident of the Bakshi Ka Talab area of the state capital.
(Source: PTI)
For Over 10 Days We Prayed For Their Safety: Rahul Gandhi
'Extreme Unfortunate & Disheartening,' Says CM Amarinder Singh
IAF Releases Names of 13 Slain Air Warriors, Pays Tribute
The Indian Air Force, after declaring no survivors in the AN-32 crash, named the people who lost their lives in the crash. Following is the list:
- Wing Commander GM Charles
- Squadron leader H Vinod
- Flight lieutenant R Thapa
- Flight lieutenant A Tanwar
- Flight lieutenant S Mohanty
- Flight lieutenant MK Garg
- Warrant Officer KK Mishra
- Sergeant Anoop Kumar
- Corporal Sherin
- Lead Aircraft Man SK Singh
- Lead Aircraft Man Pankaj
- Non-combatant Employee Putali
- Non-combatant Employee Rajesh Kumar
IAF Finds No Survivors at AN-32 Crash Site, Families Informed
The Indian Air Force on Thursday, 13 June said that there were no survivors at the crash site of the IAF AN-32 aircraft, located 16 km north of Lipo in Arunachal Pradesh, news agency ANI reported.
The team of rescuers, including 15 mountaineers managed to reach the crash site earlier in the day. The families of the 13 personnel have been informed.
Rescuers Fail to Reach Aircraft Crash Site Due to Inclement Weather
A 15-member team of rescuers was airlifted on Wednesday close to the crash site of the IAF's AN-32 aircraft in Arunachal Pradesh to look for possible survivors, but difficult terrain and inclement weather hampered their progress.
"They are yet to reach the crash site due to inclement weather and terrain. Team will be camping overnight due to difficult terrain and weather, and will close in to the crash site tomorrow," an IAF spokesperson said.
The area is thickly forested and has been receiving heavy rains since the last three days, according to local officials.
“There are reports of rain and haze all over the mountainous zones of Siang district and I think it will be a herculean task due to the inhospitable terrain,” Shi-Yomi district deputy commissioner Mito Dirchi told PTI.
IAF Thanks Arunachal Pradesh Government, CM for Support
The India Air Force on Wednesday took to twitter to thank the Arunachal Pradesh government and chief minister Pema Khandu for its support in the rescue mission.
IAF Successfully Air Drops 15 Mountaineers, Yet To Reach AN-32 Crash Site: PRO
The Indian Air Force has successfully airdropped 15 fully-equipped mountaineers near the AN-32 crash site in helicopter sorties using Mi-17s and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), Defence PRO Lt Col P Khongsai told The Quint.
The team includes nine personnel from the IAF, four from the Army and two civilians. It is yet to reach the crash site due to inclement weather and terrain, the PRO said, adding that the Mountaineers will be camping overnight and will close in on the crash site tomorrow.
How District Administration Swung into Action to Find the AN-32
The Deputy Commissioner of Siang, Rajiv Takuk, penned down a letter on how the district administration swung into action to find the missing AN 32 aircraft after it went missing.
IAF, Army Personnel and Mountaineers Flown in to Look for Possible Survivors
After the rescue operations to look for any possible survivors from commenced on Wednesday, 12 June, a team comprising the Air Force and Army personnel, and mountaineers were flown to the site by Indian Air Force helicopters.
Operations started on Wednesday morning at around 6.30 am to search for bodies, or any possible survivors from the IAF AN-32 crash.
Team Airlifted to a Location Close to Crash Site: Defence PRO
Defence PRO, Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh on Wednesday said that "a team comprising personnel from IAF, Army and civil mountaineers have been airlifted to a location close to the crash site" after having located it.
Rescue Ops Commence at AN-32 Crash Site
Rescue operation by helicopters commenced on Wednesday, 12 June morning at the crash site of IAF's AN-32 aircraft. Mi17s, and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) of Indian Army are being used to help with the operations, news agency ANI reported.
First Visuals of Wreckage of AN-32 Aircraft
Visuals of the wreckage of the missing AN-32 spotted on Tuesday, 11 June were shared by news agency ANI. The missing aircraft was spotted 16 Kms North of Lipo, North East of Tato, at an approximate elevation of 12000 ft, in Arunachal Pradesh by the IAF Mi-17 Helicopter undertaking search in the expanded search zone.
Arunachal Govt Releases Map of Wreckage Site
Arunachal Pradesh Government officials release map of the site where the missing AN-32 had crashed. The Wreckage was spotted on Tuesday, 16 km North of Lipo, North East of Tato, at an approximate elevation of 12000 feet in Arunachal.
Search Teams to Be Airdropped to Look for Possible Survivors
Search teams including Garud commandos, IAF mountaineers & other ground forces will be airdropped tomorrow morning to search the area for more wreckage of the AN-32 Aircraft & possible survivors, according to ANI.
The IAF said that its helicopters could not land in the area due to high elevation & dense forest, but a landing site has been identified and the rescue operation will begin tomorrow morning.
Paratroopers Will Likely Be Airdropped for 'Localised Rescue Operation': Defence PRO
What was previously a 'reconnaissance and surveillance operation' has now become a 'localised rescue operation' as the wreckage of the AN-32 aircraft has been located, Defence PRO Lt Col P Khongsai told The Quint.
He said that paratroopers will likely be airdropped near the wreckage, since the area is very remote, and only then will the status of the 13 personnel on board be confirmed.
“Since the area is inaccessible, it is difficult to predict the duration of the operation,” he added.
Efforts Underway to Check Status of AN-32 Occupants: IAF
The Indian Air Force has tweeted that efforts to determine the status of the 13 people who were on board the AN-32, and to check for survivors, are continuing.
Indian Air Force Locates Wreckage of Missing AN-32 Carrier
The Indian Air Force on Tuesday, 11 June, after more than eight days of search operations, has found the wreckage of the AN-32 carrier, 16 kms north of Lipo in Arunachal Pradesh.
The aircraft had gone missing on 3 June, after taking off from Air Force base in Assam’s Jorhat.
The finding comes three days after the Indian Air Force on Saturday, 8 June announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for any information pertaining to the whereabouts of the missing IAF AN-32 aircraft.
Bad Weather Disrupts AN-32 Search Operations
Even after a week, no one knows about the whereabouts of the AN-32 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) which went missing around remote Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh, India Today reported.
Aerial search operation could not be undertaken on Sunday due to bad weather and low clouds.
The rescue mission was underway with helicopters, UAV and C-130 J airborne, however, they had to land back due to rain and poor weather conditions.
IAF Announces Rs 5 Lakh for Anyone With Information on Whereabouts of Missing AN-32 Aircraft
Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh, Defence PRO, Shillong on Saturday said that Air Marshal RD Mathur, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, has announced a cash award of Rs 5 lakhs for the person(s) or group who provide credible information leading to finding of the missing AN-32 transport aircraft.
The finder may contact the Air Force on the following numbers- Landline: 0378-3222164. Mobile: 9436499477/9402077267/9402132477
He added that IAF is using all its assets and taking help of the Army, Arunachal Pradesh civil authorities and other national agencies to locate the missing AN-32 transport aircraft.
Search for Missing AN-32 Continues Unabated, Dhanoa Interacts With Families of Personnel Onboard
The Indian Air Force on Saturday, 8 June said that the search for the missing Indian Air Force AN-32 was continuing unabated. It added that the IAF has increased the deployment of its aircraft and has expanded the search area significantly.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Saturday interacted with the families and relatives of IAF personnel who were on board the missing AN-32 transport aircraft. He assured them that all possible steps would be taken to locate the plane and personnel.
IAF Deploys Global 5000 Aircraft, NTRO Spy Satellites to Enhance Search Ops
The Indian Air Force, on Friday, 7 June deployed Aviation Research Centre’s Global 5000 surveillance aircraft and NTRO spy satellites along with other assets to locate the missing AN-32 aircraft, news agency ANI reported.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh being regularly updated about the search and rescue operations. Minister has instructed to use all possible resources to locate the plane and its occupants.
Despite Bad Weather, Tough Terrain, IAF Continues to Search for Missing AN-32
Despite bad weather, Indian Air Force has been tirelessly searching every part of difficult terrain in order to trace the missing AN-32.
So far, IAF has flown more than 100 hours in search operations, it said in its post.
Ashish Tanwar's Family Members Meet Rajnath Singh
Family members of Ashish Tanwar, pilot of IAF AN 32 aircraft, met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday.
Search for Missing AN-32 Continues, More Assets Included: IAF
IAF on Thursday said that the search for the missing AN-32 continues and the area of search has been expanded. In a tweet, they also mentioned that more assets have been included in the rescue mission.
The search is to continue through the night.
AN-32 Still Missing, Villagers Saw Thick Black Smoke
Tribal villagers had witnessed "thick black smoke" originating from a mountain towards Molo village in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday after an AN-32 aircraft of the IAF lost contact with the ground staff, IANS reported.
"... three persons of Tumbin village stated that on that day and time they saw thick black smoke which was originating from a mountain about 7-8 km towards Molo village," Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Thursday, 6 June.
He said the statements of the villagers were being verified.
Three search parties - including one from Shi-Yomi district and one from the Army, were trekking to various possible locations to look for the aircraft.
Meanwhile, a joint effort by police, Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) was in force to search the crashed location in an area of about 2,500 sq km in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Missing AN-32 Aircraft: Kin of IAF Officers Urge Govt to Intensify Search Operation
Families of the two IAF officers who were onboard the missing IAF transport aircraft AN-32 appealed to the government to intensify the search operation while praying for their safe return.
Flight Lieutenant Ashish Tanwar's (29) teary-eyed mother Saroj appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deploy all resources to trace the aircraft and those missing.
Army Deploys UAV's to Help With Search Operations
The Indian Army has deployed its UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to search for the missing AN-32 transport aircraft over Arunachal Pradesh-Assam, news agency ANI reported. IAF’s Mi-17 choppers and other aircraft are already being used for the operation.
'I Want My Child, Request MHA to Step in': Pilot's Mother
Ashish Tanwar’s mother, on Tuesday, 6 June urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to step in and speed up the investigation efforts, since it has been four days since her son, along with others went missing.
Ashish Tanwar was the pilot who was flying the IAF AN-32 that went missing on Monday, 3 June.
IAF Deploys More Aircraft to Trace Missing AN-32 Plane
IAF sources on Wednesday, 5 June said additional assets including two Sukhoi-30 aircraft were deployed on Wednesday, 5 June to locate the missing plane apart from the already in-place fleet of C-130J and AN-32 planes and two Mi-17 and two ALH helicopters. The ground forces included troops from the Army, Indo Tibetan Border Police and state police. The two Sukhoi-30 and two C-130J aircraft will carry out night missions, The Indian Express Reported.
AN-32 Pilot's Wife was on ATC Duty at the Time of Crash
When the Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft went missing on Monday, 3 June, Pilot Ashish Tanwar’s wife, Sandhya was on IAF Air Traffic Control duty in Assam’s Jorhat during the time, The Indian Express reported.
According to the report, the two married in February 2018.
Cong Asks Govt Why ‘Obsolete’ AN-32 Fleet of IAF Was Not Replaced
The Congress expressed concern on Wednesday, 5 June, over the safety and well-being of the IAF personnel aboard an AN-32 aircraft that went missing in Arunachal Pradesh after taking off from Assam's Jorhat, and questioned the government on why it had not allocated resources to replace the obsolete AN-32 fleet.
Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the defence minister must answer as to why measures were not taken after the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost an AN-32 aircraft en route to the Andaman and Nicobar islands, which was not tracked.
"Pray for safety and well-being of IAF personnel and crew of missing Aircraft AN-32. Sad to know that missing AN-32 had SOS Signal Unit that's OBSOLETE.
"Government must tell - Why was upgradation of AN-32 not completed despite India and Ukraine agreement of 2009?," Surjewala asked on Twitter.
IAF Intensifies Search For Missing AN 32
The Indian Air Force, on Wednesday, 5 June, said it has intensified efforts to locate the missing AN-32 aircraft which went missing on 3 June with 13 people aboard after taking off from Jorhat airbase.
The IAF said, “Despite challenges posed by vegetation, inhospitable terrain and poor weather, the search has been expanded. All leads from airborne sensors are being closely assessed and followed-up with search by aircraft and ground teams.”
It added, “Search by IAF and Indian Army helicopters was adversely affected by weather during the day today. However, supported by Indian Army, Indian Navy, Police and State Administration the search efforts by ground teams and airborne sensors will continue through the night.”
Father of IAF Officer Aboard Missing AN-32 in 2016 Shares Anguish
The disappearance of an AN-32 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force has brought back painful memories for 62-year-old Rajendra Barpatte, father of an IAF officer who was among 29 persons on board the same type of aircraft that went missing three years ago.
The aircraft could not be traced despite a massive search operation covering 2,17,800 square nautical miles by multiple aircraft, Barpatte said. Months later, an IAF court of inquiry concluded that it was unlikely that the personnel on board would have survived, he added.
Barpatte, who had demanded after the incident that the government replace the "flawed" Russian-origin aircraft with newer and better planes, said he has sought more technical information about the AN-32 aircrafts after Monday's incident.
"For last 35 years, we are using the same planes...The government is claiming that they have reconditioned all these aircraft. When I met Manohar Parrikar, the then defence minister, I asked him if he would like to keep using a 30-year old car," Barpatte said.
The government should now "learn a lesson" and come out with a replacement policy, he said.
IAF PRO on Search for Missing AN-32 Aircraft
IAF PRO and spokesperson Anupam Banerjee on Tuesday said that P-8I aircraft of Navy have also joined in the search operation and that the Army personnel are doing ground search. He added that ISRO satellites are also being used for photographing the area which will be analysed and used for further search operation.
Flight Lieutenant from Patiala Among 13 People on Board
Mohit Garg, a 27-year-old flight lieutenant from Samana in Patiala, is among the 13 people aboard the AN-32 transport aircraft of the Air Force, which has been missing since Monday afternoon after taking off from a base in Assam, reported PTI.
The flight lieutenant's brother Ashwani Garg said the family was praying for his safety.
Mohit got married a year ago and his wife is posted in a bank in Assam.
Navy Joins Search Operation for Missing AN-32 Aircraft
A long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the Indian Navy was deployed on Tuesday as part of a massive search operation to trace the AN-32 transport aircraft of the IAF.
Navy Spokesperson Capt DK Sharma said the P8i aircraft took off from INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu's Arakonam around 1 pm to join the search and rescue operation to trace the missing AN-32.
The P-8I, manufactured by Boeing, is a long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and at present, the Navy has eight of them.
ISRO Satellites Activated to Locate Missing AN-32 Aircraft
ISRO satellites have been pressed into service over parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, in order to locate the missing AN-32 transport aircraft, which was lost on Monday, 3 June with 13 people on board. Su-30MKI, C-130J Super Hercules and other assets continue with the search operations in the cloudy weather, news agency ANI reported.
Ground Team Treks to Suspected Crash Site in Search For Missing IAF Plane
Search and rescue operations to locate a transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force that went missing on Monday, 3 June started again on Tuesday, 4 June morning in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Air Force has deployed two Mi-17s and one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), along with ground teams of the Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), who are trekking to a suspected crash site, NDTV reported.
Missing AN-32 Aircraft Still Not Located, Search Operations Continue
The Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft, that went missing on Monday, 3 June afternoon with 13 people on board, is still not located. A C-130 J Hercules and ground patrols of the Army are still carrying out search operations, news agency ANI reported.
Search For Missing AN-32 to Continue, No Wreckage Found Yet: IAF
The Indian Air Force, on Monday 3 June, said the search operations for the missing IAF AN-32 aircraft will continue by air and by ground. It said although reports of a possible crash location was spotted, there have been no updates on the wreckage of the aircraft.
It said a total of eight aircrew and five passengers were onboard the aircraft and that the IAF is coordinating with Indian Army as well as various government and civil agencies to locate the missing aircraft.
The IAF has deployed C-130J and AN-32 aircraft besides two Mi-17 choppers while the Indian Army has pressed into service advance light helicopters to locate the missing Antonov AN-32 aircraft.
Wreckage of Missing IAF AN-32 Aircraft Found Near Payum: Reports
Wreckage of the missing Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft has been reportedly found near Arunchal Pradesh’s Payum village.
All 13 Aboard Missing AN-32 Aircraft Were IAF Personnel
All 13 aboard the AN-32 aircraft were IAF personnel, reported NDTV.
Pray For Safety of All Passengers: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Newly sworn-in Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted saying he has spoken to Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria who apprised him of the steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. “ I pray for the safety of all passengers on board,” he added.
IAF Launches Sukhoi-30 & C-130 to Search For Missing Aircraft
The Indian Air Force has launched Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft and C-130 Special Ops aircraft on a search mission for locating the IAF AN-32 aircraft that last contacted ground sources at 1 pm, reported ANI.
IAF AN-32 Aircraft Missing With 13 Onboard After Taking Off From Jorhat
An Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft has been missing for two hours, in Mechuka airfield of Arunachal Pradesh, with 13 persons on board, reported ANI.
The aircraft last contacted ground sources at 1 pm on Monday, 3 June, after taking off from Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm.
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