Article Posted on : - Nov 29, 2010

An unrelated photo of an Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter

PUNE (PTI): Analysis of the data collected from Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) of the Air Force helicopter MI-17, which crashed at Tawang killing 12 servicemen recently, was underway to determine the cause of the mishap, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik Monday said.

"The FDR and CVR were found burnt at the crash site.

We are analysing the data to determine the cause of the accident," he told reporters after reviewing the passing out parade of the 119th course of National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, near here.

Expressing concern over the mishaps involving Air Force choppers, Air Chief Naik said, "It hurts us deeply.

There seems to be some technical fault but we do not know. We will investigate thoroughly."

On the US inventory of the defence forces, he said, "We want what is best available."

Air Force would go in for 40 more new Sukhoi fighter jets making for five squadrons, Naik said.

"There is no dearth of money and the government is fully supporting modernisation programme of defence forces," he said, adding procedural delays in procuring the equipment after signing of contracts, was being streamlined.

Earlier, addressing the cadets, who passed out of NDA, the Air Chief said, "Today in the media, you may be hearing things that have shown armed forces in poor light. But let me assure you, that these are only exceptions that can happen in any organisation. The core of the Armed Forces is pure and rock solid because of every member's commitment and integrity."

"This is where we live and die for honour and courage," he added.

Cadet Karan Kothari was awarded the President's gold medal for standing first in the overall order of merit of the 119th course.