THIS is the terrifying moment a military transport plane veers off a runway before erupting into a massive fireball and killing five on board.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) plane was landing at an airbase in Jorhat as part of a routine training exercise.
Horrifying CCTV footage shows the Antonov AN-32 land without issue before drifting slowly to the left.
It suddenly veers off the runway and onto the grass before overturning and bursting into flames.
Other images and video show catastrophic damage to the plane which was torn apart as it smashed into the ground at the air force base.
Residents nearby reported hearing an explosion followed by thick plumes of smoke rising from the base.
Emergency crews rushed to the crash site and secured the airbase.
But it was tragically confirmed that five IAF personnel from 43 Squadron were killed in the crash.
They have been identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam.
Miraculously, the aircraft’s co-pilot survived the high-impact collision, and is currently receiving medical treatment for serious injuries.
The tragedy unfolded at Rowriah Airbase in Assam, India, on Saturday morning.
In an official statement, the IAF expressed deep regret at the loss of five personnel and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the fallen air warriors, describing their courage and service to the nation as something that will always be remembered with pride and gratitude.
The AN-32 cargo plane is a Soviet-era tactical transport aircraft that has long formed a key part of the IAF’s fleet.
It is a twin-engine turboprop and is specially designed to perform well at high altitudes and in extreme climates.
Capable of carrying up to 7.5 tonnes of cargo, around 50 passengers or 42 paratroopers, the IAF operates about 100 for military supplies and civilian aid in remote mountain areas.
The IAF confirmed the accident and immediately launched an investigation to establish the cause.
Officials urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.
The entire air force station has been sealed off with no entry allowed.
The accident comes just months after an Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed.
Both pilots were killed in the tragedy in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.
The aircraft has been involved in some of the IAF’s most notable aviation tragedies in years.
In 2019, an IAF An-32 went missing after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station.
After an extensive search the wreckage was discovered in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, near the border with China.
All 13 personnel on board the flight were killed.
Earlier in 2016 another An-32 disappeared over Bengal with 29 passengers on board.