IAF Helicopter makes Emergency Landing in Sikkim, 1 Injured

Gangtok, May 7, 2020:

An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in Sikkim today due to inclement weather, official sources said.

The helicopter in question, an Mi-17, was on routine air maintenance sortie from Chaten to Mukutang in Sikkim today, when it had to be landed. The Helicopter, it may be mentioned, took to the air at 6:45 am and but was forced to land 10 Nautical Miles short of the designated helipad due to bad weather, sources informed.

ALSO READ: Tripura Reports 22 more Cases of COVID-19, Tally Rises to 64

While the helicopter has sustained some amount of damage, all six personnel on board, four aircrew of IAF and two personnel of Indian Army, are reportedly safe. However, one person has sustained an injury, officials informed.

Two recovery Helicopters and an army ground search party have been launched for rescue and are yet to reach the site.

ALSO READ: Facing racism and economic problems, Manipur Nagas start forum in Delhi

An investigation has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.

Further details to follow.

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.