During the investigation, it was revealed that these officers, who were handling the responsibilities of air defense at Srinagar airbase, understood the Mi-17 V5 helicopter as a missile coming towards the base.
New Delhi| Two Air Force officers will be court martialed in the MI-17 helicopter crash case on 27 February in Budgam, Srinagar. Departmental action will be taken against four other officials. 6 Air Force officers were killed in this accident. The accident occurred due to friendly fire carried by the Spider Air Defense Missile System.
According to the news agency, the group captain and a wing commander will have to face a court martial. Apart from these, departmental action will be taken against two air commanders and two flight lieutenants.
Big mistake to target your own helicopter: Bhadoria
Air Force Chief Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria had said on October 4 that the Court of Inquiry has completed the investigation regarding the MI-17 helicopter crash. Action will be taken against two officials in this. It was our fault that we targeted our own helicopter. We will ensure that such mistakes are not repeated in future.
Investigation delayed due to black box theft
The Air Force handed over an investigation into the matter to an Air Commodore rank officer. The investigation was also delayed, as the villagers in Budgam stole the helicopter’s black box. During the accident, stones were also pelted on the army vehicles which had gone to the site of the incident.
The helicopter crashed 10 minutes after takeoff
During the investigation, it was revealed that these officers, who were handling the responsibilities of air defense at Srinagar airbase, understood the Mi-17 V5 helicopter as a missile coming towards the base. Whereas, this helicopter was returning from a mission. On 27 February, the helicopter from 154 helicopter unit of Srinagar crashed just 10 minutes after takeoff. A civilian was killed along with 6 Air Force officers in the accident. At the same time, about 100 kilometers away, the Indian Air Force fighter aircraft were pushing the Pakistani aircraft out of range. Wing Commander Abhinandan was involved in this campaign.
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