SOURCE: AFI
One of the most enduring mysteries in Indian aviation history remains the disappearance of an Indian Air Force (IAF) transport aircraft in the Indian Ocean. On March 25, 1986, a brand-new AN-32, purchased from the USSR, vanished without a trace while being ferried from Ukraine to India.
Wing Commander Ulliada Muddappa Bheemaiah and Wing Commander Emelian Augustin Fernandez were at the controls of the AN-32 (serial number K-2729) when it disappeared during the Muscat-Jamnagar leg of its flight. The aircraft was part of a trio of AN-32s being flown to India on that day.
Despite extensive searches by multiple nations, including the United States Navy, no clues or wreckage have been found. The IAF has remained tight-lipped about the incident, and details of any subsequent inquiry have not been made public.
Over the years, conspiracy theories have circulated, with one prominent theory suggesting a possible mid-air collision with a US Navy aircraft carrier plane operated from the USS Enterprise, which was operating in the same region. While US Navy records indicate search and rescue efforts were launched following the AN-32’s disappearance, the possibility of an incident remains a subject of speculation.
A former IAF transport pilot, speaking anonymously, alluded to past incidents involving US fighter aircraft approaching Indian aircraft closely during ferry flights to India. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to support this claim.
Nearly four decades later, the fate of the AN-32 and its crew remains a mystery, leaving families and loved ones seeking closure. The disappearance of the aircraft continues to haunt the Indian Air Force and aviation enthusiasts, serving as a poignant reminder of the dangers and uncertainties inherent in air travel.