Article Posted on : - Nov 09, 2010

A file photo.

SRINAGAR (PTI): An IAF light utility helicopter crash landed in the Siachen glacier region soon after takeoff for a routine sortie, with both pilots escaping with injuries.

The reason for the accident was not yet known and the Indian Air Force has ordered a court of inquiry.

The Cheetah helicopter was on a routine air maintenance sortie when the crash landing took place at 0810 hours on Monday, IAF sources said in New Delhi.

Defence Ministry sources said the two pilots on board the helicopter were injured and were evacuated to Leh for treatment.

The chopper had gone air borne from the Siachen Glacier’s Base Camp and soon after it landed in a nearby location on the icy heights, they said.

“One IAF Cheetah helicopter crash landed in Siachen Glacier region on November 8, 2010, at about 0810 hours. The helicopter took off from the Base Camp for a routine air maintenance sortie in Siachen Glacier region. Both pilots survived,” an IAF press release from the Western Air Command headquarters in New Delhi said.

“A court of inquiry has been ordered to go into the causes of the accident,” it added.

The IAF said it was withholding the names of the pilots for the moment.