An aircraft owned and operated by the Myanmar Army crashed at Lengpui Airport (AJL) in Mizoram, India on the morning of January 23, 2024.
The aircraft, a Shaanxi Y-8, carried 14 people. Eight were reportedly injured, with four of those in a critical state.
As conflict between the Myanmar Army and the country’s armed ethnic group continues, more soldiers from the army have crossed the border to India and have taken refuge in Mizoram.
The aircraft involved in the crash was on its way to Mizoram to airlift Myanmar Army personnel in batches.
According to Indian media outlet Deccan Chronicle, the tabletop runway at Lengpui Airport, measuring 2,500 meters in length and located at a height of 1,228 feet above sea level, is known for its challenging maneuvering at the time of landings.
During landing, the Shaanxi Y-8 aircraft overshot and skidded off the runway and its fuselage split in half.
Mizoram’s Director General of Police (DGP) Anil Shukla confirmed the incident to the media, adding that operations at Lengpui Airport have been suspended.
Shukla also said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an investigation into the plane crash.
