Ladakh: LEH – Three Indian Army soldiers, including the commanding officer of a vital division of the Indian Army, survived a deadly helicopter crash that took place near Leh in the Ladakh sector of India.
According to sources in the defense forces, the chopper was carrying Major General Sachin Mehta, who heads the highly strategic 3 Infantry Division of the Indian Army, together with two pilots, when the accident took place during the routine midday flight.
Survivors and Investigation of Incident
In spite of the dangerous flying conditions and challenging topography of the region, both the officers have managed to survive the crash incident.
Safe: It has been confirmed that Major General Mehta and his crew members have been saved from the accident and are out of danger.
Hospitalized: The two pilots of the aircraft have been injured and are currently under observation in a military hospital.
Inquiry: The Indian Army has initiated a formal inquiry into the cause of the helicopter crash.
Fleet Under Spotlight
It has now come to light that the aircraft used in the recent accident is a Cheetal, an improved model of the old Aerospatiale SA315B Cheetah fleet produced locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Technical Specification: As opposed to the old Cheetah fleet, the Cheetal fleet has an advanced Turbomeca TM333-2B2 engine installed in it. The engine uses a computer-controlled electronic engine control system, specially designed to deliver improved thermal margins and payload performance at high altitudes over the Siachen Glacier and Ladakh regions.
The accident brings into light yet another operational challenge faced by the forces while conducting crucial air routes for supply purposes through the Himalayas using old and single-engine rotary fleets.
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