Indian Army Cheetah Helicopter crashes in Arunachal Pradesh, 2 pilots dead

The Indian Army helicopter Cheetah crashed today in Arunachal Pradesh. According to the reports, the mishap happened near Mandala, West of Bomdila town in the state.

The pilot and the co-pilot who were onboard when the chopper crashed are dead, reports said.

Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, PRO Defence Guwahati said the Cheetah helicopter, which was going towards Missamari from Senge, went missing earlier this morning. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) reportedly lost contact with the helicopter at around 9:15 am.

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The Army issued a press release stating that an Army Aviation Cheetah helicopter flying an operational sortie near Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh was reported to have lost contact with the ATC at around 09:15 AM on 16 March 23. It is reported to have crashed near Mandala, West of Bomdila. Search parties have been launched, it added.

It is to be noted that Arunachal Pradesh is considered one of the most unfavourable places for aircraft operations. Furthermore, the North-Eastern state has witnessed multiple aircraft crashes in the past. In October 2022, an Indian Army’s ALH helicopter crashed in Arunachal Pradesh’s Migging, killing five personnel onboard, including two pilots.

It should be highlighted that Arunachal Pradesh is regarded as one of the least ideal locations for aviation operations. In addition, the state of North East has previously seen numerous aeroplane crashes. Five people were on board when an ALH helicopter belonging to the Indian Army crashed in Migging, Arunachal Pradesh, on October 22.

Cheetah Helicopter is considered one of the oldest choppers in the Army’s and IAF’s fleet.

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