Itanagar: One pilot was killed when the Cheetah helicopter of Army Aviation crashed near Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang. Another pilot was injured.
Defence spokesman Lt. Col Mahendra Rawat said that the helicopter was on a routine sortie and it crashed at around 10 am. Both pilots were immediately taken to the nearest military hospital.
"With regret to inform you that one of the pilots Lt Col Saurabh Yadav, who was critically injured, succumbed to the injuries during treatment. The second pilot is under medical treatment. The cause of the crash at this stage is not known. Details are being ascertained," said the spokesperson.
A defence statement said: "Lt General Kalita and all ranks offer tributes to the supreme sacrifice of Lt Col Saurabh Yadav in the line of duty on 05 Oct 2022 while flying a Cheetah Helicopter near Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Eastern Command offers deepest condolences to the family."
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed shock at the incident and tweeted: "Pained by the news of the crash of helicopter at Nyamjang Chu near BTK area of Jemeithang circle in Tawang district. I am in touch with the Army officials for every possible assistance, and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured pilots."