File photo of AN-32 aircraft. (Courtesy: Reuters)

GUWAHATI: Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Saturday visited Air Force Station in Jorhat to assess the ongoing search operations for the ill-fated AN-32 which went missing on Monday. The aircraft was on its way to the advanced landing ground at Mechuka in Shi Yomi district in Arunachal Pradesh.

The search and rescue operation was launched immediately after the ground agencies lost contact with the aircraft around 1.30pm on Monday. Extensive aerial search operation entered the sixth day on Saturday without any breakthrough so far.

Meanwhile, the IAF on Saturday announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information on the missing AN-32 . Defence PRO in Shillong, Wg Cdr Ratnakar Singh said while the search for the missing aircraft is on, AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal RD Mathur, has announced Rs 5 lakh for any person or group, who provide credible information on the aircraft.

"The finder may contact Air Force on 0378-3222164 or 9436499477 / 9402077267 / 9402132477," the PRO said.

Search efforts by ground teams of Indian Army, ITBP, state police and members of local population continued throughout the day but aerial search was hit by poor weather conditions.

Defence PRO Lt Col P Khongsai said, "The IAF chief was given a detailed briefing about the operations and was apprised with the inputs received so far. He interacted with families of the officers and airmen who were on board the aircraft."

"However, aerial search could not be undertaken due to poor weather conditions prevailing throughout the day. Indian Air Force has increased the deployment of its helicopters and transport aircraft and has expanded the search area significantly since the beginning of the operations. More and more area is being covered by airborne sensors and satellites and the imaging is being followed-up by close analysis of the data for its synergistic amalgamation in the search operations," the PRO said.

The AN-32 took off from Jorhat at 12. 25pm on Monday for Menchuka. There were eight crew members and five passengers on board the aircraft.

"Resources from various agencies, including Isro were brought into the operation to enhance effectiveness. The area of search is mountainous and heavily forested with thick undergrowth. The weather in the area has been inclement with low clouds and rain during most hours. Combined with the inhospitable terrain, the weather has posed serious challenges to aerial search operations," Khongsai said.

On Thursday, some family members also met defence minister Rajnath Singh and were briefed about the search efforts.

