Navy Officer Killed After Chetak Helicopter Crashes At Naval Air Station In Kochi

The Indian Navy chopper which was on a training flight crashed soon after the lift-off at INS Garuda in Kochi.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. ( Image Source :Special arrangement )

A navy officer died after a Chetak helicopter met with a ground accident on Saturday during maintenance taxi checks at INS Garuda, Kochi, as per Navy sources. The navy officer was identified as Yogendra Singh LAM. The officials have ordered a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident.

According to the Army, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS, and all personnel of the Indian Navy mourned the loss of life and paid tribute to Yogendra Singh, LAM who lost his life in the unfortunate accident at Kochi. They also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

The victim was from Bhind in Madhya Pradesh.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar & all personnel of the Indian Navy mourn the loss of life & pay tribute to Yogendra Singh, LAM who lost his life in the unfortunate accident at Kochi and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family: Spokesperson of the Indian Navy https://t.co/YdI0LV0he2 pic.twitter.com/R01TeDi9BT

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2023

The Indian Navy chopper which was on a training flight, crashed soon after the lift off, sources added, as per PTI.

According to PTI sources, the helicopter's pilot and co-pilot were injured in the crash and were taken to INHS Sanjeevani, the Naval Hospital at Kochi Naval Base. However, Navy officials stated that the injuries were minor and that they were discharged after treatment.

An official from the Kochi Harbour police station, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided details of the incident, stating, "We have been informed that a Naval official who was on the runway has been killed, while the two on board the aircraft suffered injuries and have been taken to the naval hospital. Our officers are at the site, and we are awaiting more details", news agency IANS reported.

In response to the incident, a board of inquiry has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the accident. Further information about the incident is awaited.