2 pilots killed as Army chopper crashes in Arunachal Pradesh

New Delhi, March 16

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Two pilots died in a Cheetah helicopter crash near Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday, a defence spokesperson said. Lt Col VVB Reddy and Maj Jayanth A, the pilot and his co-pilot did not survive the crash that occurred this morning, he added.

#LtGenRPKalita #ArmyCdrEC & All Ranks offer tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Lt Col VVB Reddy & Maj Jayanth A, in the line of duty at Mandala, #ArunachalPradesh while carrying out operational flying of Cheetah Helicopter. #IndianArmy stands firm with the bereaved families pic.twitter.com/XimeZQ0pan

— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) March 16, 2023

The Cheetah helicopter was flying an operational sortie near Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, and is reported to have lost contact with the ATC at around 9:15 am today.

My heartfelt tributes to Lt Col VVB Reddy and Maj Jayanth A who lost their lives in a tragic Helicopter crash in Arunachal Pradesh. We salute their sacrifice, service and devotion in the line of duty. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. https://t.co/oF14c2kNr4

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 16, 2023

Five search parties of Army, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were immediately rushed to the spot. The wreckage of the aircraft was found near Banglajaap East village of Mandala.

“With regret we inform that the pilot and the co-pilot of the helicopter lost their lives in the accident,” the Army said.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.