An Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) Cheetah helicopter crashed in eastern Bhutan, killing two Bhutanese pilots on Friday, NDTV reported.
According to the reports, the chopper belonged to Indian Army’s 667 Army Aviation Squadron based in the Indian state of Assam. The single-engine Cheetah Helicopter was en route to Yongphulla, Bhutan, when it crashed into a hill near Khentongmani.
Indian Army Spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand said, “The helicopter went out of radio and visual contact soon after 1pm. The helicopter was on way from Khirmu (Arunanchal) to Yongphulla on duty”.
The accident comes days after an Indian Air Force MiG-21 crashed near the Gwalior Air Force Base in Madhya Pradesh. The aircraft was on a routine training mission on Wednesday, September 25 when it crashed. Both pilots – a group captain and a squadron leader – managed to eject safely.
According to the Indian Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik, Indian Air Force (IAF) had lost 27 aircraft, including 15 fighter jets and helicopters, in crashes since 2016.
