Indian army helicopter crashes in Ladakh, three officers survive by 'miracle'

An Indian army Cheetah helicopter crashed in the remote Tangste area of Leh in Ladakh, India. The three army officers on board survived the crash, which has been described as a 'miracle'.

The incident occurred on May 20. The Indian army officially confirmed the matter on Saturday, May 23.

On board were a Lieutenant Colonel, a Major, and Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of 3 Infantry Division. The Lieutenant Colonel and Major were piloting the helicopter, while Major General Sachin Mehta was a passenger.

All three were injured in the accident. However, given the remote mountainous terrain, the situation could have been far worse had rescue not been carried out quickly. Rescue operations were conducted and they received medical treatment.

A selfie taken by Major General Sachin Mehta after the crash has gone viral on social media, showing the three officers sitting on a rock beside the wrecked helicopter.

The Indian army has formed a high-level investigation committee to determine the cause of the accident.

The crash has once again raised questions about the safety of the Indian army's ageing Cheetah helicopter fleet. Introduced in the 1970s, these helicopters have long been used in India's remote and high-altitude mountain regions.

While these helicopters played a crucial role in the 1984 Siachen campaign, the fleet has been involved in multiple accidents in recent years, some resulting in fatalities.

The Indian army is gradually replacing these ageing helicopters with indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopters, which are comparatively more modern, capable of flying at higher altitudes and equipped with advanced technology.