In a tragic incident, an Indian Navy Chetak helicopter met with a fatal accident at the INS Garuda naval air station in Kochi, Kerala, resulting in the loss of one Navy personnel's life. The incident occurred during a routine training flight when the chopper crashed soon after takeoff.
The unfortunate incident was met with deep sorrow and condolences from top officials, including Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, who expressed his grief and paid tribute to the fallen Navy personnel, Yogendra Singh, LAM.
The Indian Navy spokesperson stated, "The Chetak helicopter met with a ground accident during maintenance taxi checks at INS Garuda, Kochi, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life of one ground crew. A Board of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident." This Board of Inquiry will help determine the circumstances leading to the crash and take appropriate action.
INS Garuda, situated adjacent to INS Venduruthy and serving as the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command, plays a vital role in the Indian Navy's operations. The naval air station boasts two intersecting runways, facilitating the landing and takeoff of various operational aircraft.
INS Garuda serves as a strategic hub for the Indian Navy, housing several training schools, intelligence centers, maintenance and repair facilities, and experimental stations. The station's significance is underlined by its role in training naval aviation personnel and supporting naval operations in the region.
The loss of a Navy personnel in this tragic accident is a somber reminder of the risks and challenges faced by those in uniform while serving their nation. The Indian Navy will conduct a thorough investigation to understand the causes of the accident, with the aim of preventing such incidents in the future.
This incident is a stark reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made by the men and women of the Indian Navy in their commitment to safeguarding the nation's interests. Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of Yogendra Singh, LAM, as they cope with this unfortunate loss.