Jammu: An Aviation Systems Technician (AVN Tech) died while the two pilots on board were injured when the Army’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Dhruv had to make a crash landing on the banks of Marua rivulet in Kishtwar district of Chenab Valley on Thursday.
The AVN Tech has been identified as Pabballa Anil, 30, of Telangana.
After the crash landing he was airlifted to Military Hospital Udhampur in a critical condition where he succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment.
The two wounded pilots are under treatment.
A Defence spokesman in a statement issued here said that the ALH Dhruv that was an operational mission made a precautionary landing on Marua rivulet banks in Kishtwar at 11:15 am.
The spokesman said that the pilots had reported a technical fault to the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) and proceeded for a precautionary landing.
“Due to the undulating ground, undergrowth, and unprepared landing area, the helicopter apparently made a hard landing. Immediate rescue operations were launched and Army rescue teams reached the site,” he said.
The Defence spokesman said that all the three injured personnel have been evacuated to Command Hospital, Udhampur.
The Army has ordered a court of inquiry into the incident.
Meanwhile, the Army Commander, Northern Command, Lt Gen Upendra Divedi and all ranks of Northern Command offered tributes to Avn Tech Anil and offered condolences to his bereaved family.