Army’s Cheetah helicopter crashes in Ladakh, occupants escape miraculously

Leh: A Cheetah helicopter of the India Army crashed in Tangste mountainous area of Ladakh and the three occupants had a miraculous escape, officials said on Saturday.

Officials confirmed that the incident that took place on Wednesday was reported on Friday. The single-engine HAL Cheetah helicopter was operated by a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major, while Major General Sachin Mehta, who commands the 3 Infantry Division, was on board as a passenger.

The crash took place during a flight over the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh. The specific cause of the incident is currently under investigation and a formal enquiry has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances that led to the crash.

Officials familiar with the details confirmed that the aircraft went down in the rugged Tangste area. The survival of all personnel involved has been described remarkable given the challenging mountainous environment and the operational demands on the aging Cheetah fleet.

The Cheetah helicopter, a licenced version of the French Alouette III, has been a crucial asset for the Indian Army, especially in high-altitude and forward regions like the Siachen glacier.

However, the fleet has been under scrutiny after a series of accidents. Over the past decade or so, more than 15 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters have been involved in crashes, leading to the loss of several pilots.

In light of these safety issues, the Indian Army has laid out a detailed plan to modernise its Army Aviation Corps. The plan involves beginning to phase out the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters within the next one to two years, to be gradually replaced by new-generation Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs) over a span of eight to ten years.

The Army requires about 250 new LUHs to meet its operational requirements. A dual procurement strategy has been adopted involving the introduction of indigenously developed LUHs along with short-term leasing to address capability gaps.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to play a pivotal role in this transition. The Army has already placed orders for six limited-series-production LUHs, designed to reach a top speed of 220 kmph, a service ceiling of 6.5 km, and an operational range of 350 km.

Army officials have stressed that the current Cheetah fleet remains airworthy and retains a limited technical service life.

However, the recent crash has underscored the pressing need for fleet renewal, particularly for missions in challenging high-altitude regions.

No fatalities occurred in Wednesday’s crash, and all three officers were treated for minor injuries. The Army has committed to conducting a comprehensive technical and operational investigation to prevent future incidents.

This incident took place at a time when the Armed Forces are focussing on introducing advanced rotary-wing platforms to boost operational safety, reliability, and mission effectiveness across various terrains, including the strategically important Ladakh sector.

IANS