Wreckages of Indian Air Force’s missing AN-32 plane were found in Arunachal Pradesh on 11.6.2019. The information has been officially conveyed by the IAF via its Twitter handle, “The wreckage of the missing AN32 was spotted today 16 Kms North of Lipo, North East of Tato at an approximate elevation of 12000 ft by the #IAF Mi-17 Helicopter undertaking search in the expanded search zone.”
One June 3,the aircraft was on its way to Mechunka Advance Landing Ground in Shi-Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh from Joshat in Assam. The flight took off at 12.27 a.m. and it had around 13 IAF members of various ranks. After 33 mins, the plane went off the radar.
The IAF took several search operations despite the bad weather. Ground teams were deployed, search area was widened. IAF had said ” The area of search is mountainous & heavily forested with thick undergrowth. Weather has been inclement with low clouds & rain during most hours. Combined with the inhospitable terrain, it has posed serious challenges to aerial search operations.”
The Govt. even announced a Rs.5 Lakhs reward to those who could give any info about the lost plane. After 8 days, some valuable info has been unearthed. Only wreckages have been found now. Data about the missing personnel are unavailable. IAF had said that “efforts are now continuing to establish the status of occupants & establish survivors. Further details will be communicated as the recovery actions progress.”