Shooting down our own chopper ‘big mistake’, says new Indian Air Force chief – World

Indian Air Force chief Rakesh Kumar Bhadauria admitted on Friday that the Mi-17 helicopter crash on February 27, the same day of the dog fight between Pakistani and Indian planes, was a "big mistake "from the force, the Indian media reported.

The Mi-17 helicopter had crashed in Budgam, near Srinagar, and resulted in the death of six members of the air force. An Indian Air Force ground-to-air missile had shot down the Mi-17 plane, a high-level probe had concluded in August, according to The Hindu.

The Indian side had recognized the accident, but initially did not mention it in official statements. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army recognized the air battle over Nowshera but said its fighters were not involved in the helicopter incident.

"Mi17 V5 is one of the most robust helicopters in service worldwide and is not usually prone to technical failures of a catastrophic nature," the Indian business newspaper said. Economic times I had reported in March. "An eyewitness reported that a loud explosion was heard in the air before the helicopter crashed into a smoke trail, indicating a possible catastrophic external event that contributed to the incident."

Speaking to the media on Friday, Bhadauria said "it was our mistake since our missile had reached our own helicopter."

"Investigation Court has completed […] We will take action against the two officers. We accept that this was our big mistake and we will make sure that those mistakes are not repeated in the future. " India today He quoted him saying.

Bhadauria, who assumed the position of head of the Indian Air Force on Monday, said the air force is also considering designating all personnel killed in a plane crash as "battle casualties," he said. Hindustan Times.

An investigation into the accident had indicated several failures that led to the tragedy, the publication said: "For example, the investigation had failed to control air traffic by returning the helicopter as air combat intensified between Indian and Pakistani fighters.

"Ideally, the helicopter should have been sent to a safer area instead of being called back to the base. In addition, the incoming helicopter should have been sent to the pre-designated area that is intended for friendly planes to hold up to Let the alert be called off.

"All bases have designated airspace for friendly planes in case of an air defense alert," said the Hindustan Times report.