Even as Indian Air Force (IAF) considers replacing its Mi-26 fleet commissioned in 1984, a helicopter of the heavy-lift series crashed in Jammu on Tuesday morning.
Even as Indian Air Force (IAF) considers replacing its Mi-26 fleet commissioned in 1984, a helicopter of the heavy-lift series crashed in Jammu on Tuesday morning.
There were eight defence personnel, including three crew members, on board, all of whom escaped with injuries.
This is the first crash of Mi-26 in India. IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.
The Russia-built twin-engine 20-tonne strategic-lift helicopter can transport up to 70 troops, plus equipment, in high-altitude areas.
Former air chief FH Major, who has flown Mi-26s, said, “This is a huge and a very safe helicopter. It is operated by qualified pilots. The fact that the crew is safe shows that its [Mi-26’s] in-built safety gear is very powerful.”
IAF has been conducting trials to replace Mi-26s. In the fray are American Chinook and advanced Mi-26.
IAF had four Mi-26s, all based in Chandigarh, but is now left with three.
The helicopter took off from Jammu Air Base at 9.50am on a Konkan Railway mission, but developed a snag midair within minutes, forcing the crew to eject.
Defence spokesman lieutenant colonel Viplov Nath said the injured had been rushed to the military hospital at Satwari.
Defence minister AK Antony had told parliament last month that most IAF aircraft accidents that occurred in the past one year were due to human error. There have been two fatal accidents and bodies of three pilots were recovered, he said.
A total of 60 aircraft, including MiG-21 and helicopters, of Indian armed forces have crashed in the past three years, killing 43 services personnel and five civilians.
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