Search operations to locate the missing Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft continues on Tuesday in Arunachal Pradesh. However, no wreckage has been found yet. 

Highlights  

1. The IAF has deployed C-130J and ground patrols of the Army are carrying out the extensive search. Moreover, two Mi-17 choppers and advance light helicopters are also being used. The search operation from both air and ground has continued through the night. 

2. Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh said, “Search and rescue (SAR) operation resumes as the weather clears up on Tuesday. Two MI 17s and one ALH already deployed with the ground party of Army and ITBP”. He also said that more assets may be deployed if required.

3.  A search operation was launched by the district administration of Shi Yomi district in Arunachal Pradesh along with the villagers.

Also read: IAF’s AN-32 aircraft goes missing; Search operations underway

4. According to reports, the IAF aircraft was en route to the Menchuka advance landing ground in Shi-Yomi district after departing from Jorhat in Assam at 12.27 pm.

5. The aircraft got airborne at around 12:25 PM and lost all contacts with ground staff at around 1 PM, they said.

6. A total of eight crew and five passengers were on board the aircraft, the sources said.

7. The Indian Air Force has deployed all available resources to locate the aircraft, said the sources.

8. Defence minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to share an update.  “He has apprised me of the steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. I pray for the safety of all passengers on board,” Singh posted on Twitter.

9. Search and Rescue has been held up due to bad weather , low clouds and rains. It will begin as weather clears.

10.  SAR by Mi17s has started as the weather cleared. It was on hold this morning.

11. Mi 17s from the Indian Air Force, Cheetah and ALH from the Army and the P8i from the Navy have all set out in search for the missing AN-32 which has not been found 8 days after the mishap. C130 will be operating later in the day.