Army pilot dies in Siachen chopper crash

An army officer died and another seriously injured on Wednesday, when an army helicopter crashed on the Siachen glacier during a routine logistic mission.

An army officer died and another seriously injured on Wednesday, when an army helicopter crashed on the Siachen glacier during a routine logistic mission.

The chopper came down around 11.45am around 400 m from Bheem post, in the northern part of the glacier, where it had gone to unload some supplies.

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According to reports, it crashed minutes after take off. It is suspected that the pilot had lost control of the aircraft. The weather in the area was bad and fresh snowfall was recorded.

The pilot, has been identified as Major CS Singh. The co-pilot has been taken to Chandigarh for treatment.

“The helicopter had been deployed on an air maintenance mission in Siachen glacier on Wednesday," said Lt Col JS Brar, defence spokesman based in Srinagar.

“An inquiry has been ordered to find out the reasons of the crash.’’

The Cheetah helicopters, bought from France, were introduced in the army about 40 years ago. The army has about 120 of these choppers in service and according to reports, most of them are past their life expectancy.

(With agency inputs)