Sena medals for 2 pilots: Nashik chopper crash

The Union government on Sunday announced conferring of Sena medals on Major Atul Garje, who hails from Ahmednagar, and Major Bhanu Chander who died in a helicopter crash in Nashik on February 2 this year.

A press note from the defence ministry stated that with exceptional flying skills, following the highest traditions of the Indian Army and selflessness, with utter disregard to their own safety, the pilots manoeuvred the helicopter away from civilian habitat and ensured no loss to civilian life and property.

“In the process of recovery, the helicopter hit the ground and crash-landed, which

resulted in the loss of their lives. Unmindful of their personal safety, the officers displayed indomitable spirit, boundless courage and exceptional degree of professionalism by their valiant act of selflessness in the duty to the nation,” the statement added.

The duo, belonging to the 699 Army Aviation Squadron (reconnaissance and observation), were on an exercise carrying out flying operation to rehearse the Indian Army war plans.

Soon after take off in a Cheetah helicopter from the Army aviation base in Nashik, the pilots experienced an emergency over a built-up area, necessitating immediate force landing.

But they manoeuvred the aircraft to ensure that there was no loss to civilian life and property.