LEH, May 23: Three Indian Army officers narrowly escaped with minor injuries after a Cheetah helicopter crashed in the high-altitude Tangste region near Leh, officials familiar with the development said on Friday.
The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday but details emerged publicly two days later. According to officials, the single-engine helicopter was being piloted by a lieutenant colonel and a major at the time of the accident.
The third occupant was Major General Sachin Mehta, the General Officer Commanding of the 3 Infantry Division.
Officials described the survival of all three officers as “nothing short of a miracle,” considering the difficult mountainous terrain and challenging flying conditions in the Ladakh sector.
Sources said the helicopter crashed while operating in the remote Tangste area, located close to eastern Ladakh’s rugged high-altitude zone. Despite the impact, all occupants managed to escape with only minor injuries and were later shifted for medical observation.
The Indian Army has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary assessments are expected to examine technical issues, weather conditions and terrain related challenges that may have contributed to the accident.
The Cheetah helicopter is widely used by the Army for surveillance, transport and logistical operations in difficult mountainous regions, particularly in high-altitude sectors such as Ladakh and Siachen.
The incident has once again highlighted the operational risks faced by military aviation crews while carrying out missions in some of the world’s most challenging terrains.