An Indian Air Force Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam on the evening of March 5, 2026. The advanced aircraft was on a scheduled training mission when it met with the accident. It had taken off from the Rowriah Air Force Station in Jorhat before losing connection with ground control.
Details of the Crash and Location
The aircraft lost all radio contact with the radar at approximately 7:42 PM local time. According to officials, the crash site is located about 60 kilometers from the home base in a remote forest area near Nilip Block. Local residents in the nearby villages reported hearing a massive explosion-like sound between 7:00 PM and 7:45 PM, which caused panic in the quiet hilly region.
Search and rescue teams were immediately deployed to the area. Due to the difficult terrain and darkness, teams from the army and local police reached the wreckage site around midnight. Unverified visuals circulating on social media showed a large fireball and scattered parts of the aircraft in the dense forest.
Pilots and Official Investigation
Two pilots were on board the twin-engine multirole fighter during this mission. While the wreckage has been located, there is no official confirmation yet regarding the condition of the pilots. Search teams are working urgently to locate them and provide assistance.
The Indian Air Force has issued a statement confirming the crash and has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the technical cause of the accident. This incident follows a recent crash involving a Tejas aircraft just 10 days prior, which has led to increased discussions on safety measures and aircraft maintenance.
