IAF in constant touch with families of 13 air warriors of AN-32 aircraft

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been in constant touch with the families of the 13 air warriors who lost their lives in the ill-fated AN-32 crash in the mountainous region of Arunachal Pradesh over 10 days ago constantly updating them about the operation to retrieve the mortal remains from the crash site.

Defence Public Relation Officer (PRO) in Tezpur, Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande, said, "Cheetah and ALH Helicopters are on standby and are waiting to commence operations once the weather improves. At present, there are low clouds associated with rain in the area. IAF is making all efforts to retrieve the mortal remains of the deceased air-warriors."

"Early this morning the rescue efforts got hampered due to inclement weather in the area," he added.

Meanwhile,mourners gathered at the house of Lieutenant Mohit Garg, who was the pilot of AN-32 aircraft.

Garg's father said, "We were informed about the missing AN-32 aircraft. After that, we were informed that my son has died in the crash. His body will reach here in two days time and all other relatives have gathered here to share the grief."

"My son got married about 11 months ago. His wife works as a bank manager in Jalandhar. My son was commissioned as a pilot five years ago."

The AN-32 transport aircraft of the Air Force went missing on June 3 after taking off from Assam's Jorhat. The aircraft was headed for Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with ground authorities at around 1300 hours.

After a massive search and rescue operation for eight days, during which assets from several agencies were deployed, the wreckage of the aircraft was located by a Mi-17 chopper. The wreckage was located 16 km north of Lipo at an elevation of 12,000 feet.