Army pilot killed in chopper crash

The crash occurred at 1115 hours near Bhim post about 400 metres from the helipad in northern part of the Siachen Glacier in which one of the pilots died and another has been injured, an Army spokesperson said here.

The spokesperson said efforts are on to evacuate the injured pilot from the crash site.

The two pilots involved in the crash belonged to the 666 Siachen Pioneers squadron of the Army Avaiation Corps based in Leh.

The deceased pilot Major Chandrashekhar Singh died soon after the crash whereas his co-pilot Maj Amit Mahendru suffered injuries and was evacuated on snow scooters and helicopter from the snow-covered peaks.

The officer is now undergoing treatment at the Military hospital in Chandigarh, he said.

The Cheetah and Chetak helicopters have been flying in the Siachen region for over 25 years to provide logistical support to Army troops deployed in high altitude areas ranging from 10,000 to 23,000 feet.

The Army is looking to replace the choppers with new light utility helicopters in the near future.