AN-32 black box sent for decoding

An IAF spokesman denied reports that there were more than 18 personnel aboard the aircraft when it crashed. The spokesman said there was some confusion that a flying officer H S Grewal had died but after checking IAF records it was found that there was no such officer on board.

Meanwhile, in Nagpur Air Chief Marshal A Y Tipnis said it would be premature to comment on the possible reasons of the crash.

He said there was no complaint about the airworthiness of the AN-32 transport aircraft involved in the mishap. The Air Chief said there had been a substantial reduction in accidents of Air Force planes, especially in the last two years.