JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
In the rugged, mountainous terrain of Leh in Ladakh, an Indian Army Cheetah helicopter crashed; however, in a stroke of relief, all three Army officers on board narrowly escaped this major mishap. The incident occurred on May 20 in the Tangste area of Eastern Ladakh, and official confirmation regarding the event has now emerged. Following the crash, a selfie featuring senior Army officers has gone rapidly viral on social media, further heightening public attention surrounding the incident.
According to reports, the crashed helicopter was part of the Indian Army’s aging Cheetah fleet. On board were a Lieutenant Colonel, a Major, and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3rd Infantry Division, Major General Sachin Mehta. It is reported that the helicopter was flying over extremely difficult mountainous terrain when it crashed due to technical reasons. All three officers sustained injuries in the accident, but their lives were saved.
In the photograph that surfaced after the crash, Major General Sachin Mehta and the other officers are seen sitting on rocks near the wreckage of the helicopter. People are viewing this image as a “selfie that cheated death.” Given that such an accident occurred amidst harsh weather conditions and in a high-altitude region, the officers’ safe survival is being regarded as nothing short of a miracle.
Following this accident, questions regarding the safety of the Army’s aging Cheetah helicopters have once again begun to surface. Cheetah helicopters have been in service with the Army since the 1970s and have been deployed in some of the world’s most challenging battlefields, such as Siachen. These helicopters also played a pivotal role during ‘Operation Meghdoot.’ However, over the past few years, Cheetah helicopters have been involved in numerous accidents, resulting in the loss of several pilots’ lives. The Army is now gradually phasing out these aging helicopters and inducting the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, these new helicopters are reported to be equipped with modern technology and enhanced safety features. The Army has also placed an order for six such helicopters.
Currently, the Army has ordered an inquiry into this accident, and a technical team is actively engaged in determining the causes of the crash.
