INDIA. Mumbai: A tragic incident unfolded at the Naval Air Station INS Garuda in Kochi, Kerala, where a Chetak Helicopter crashed on the runway during maintenance taxi checks. The incident claimed the life of ground crew member Yogendra Singh on Saturday.
The Chetak Helicopter was on a training flight when it crashed shortly after takeoff. The accident resulted in injuries to two individuals, including the pilot.
The injured parties have been hospitalized at the Sanjeevani Hospital located at the Naval headquarters in Kochi. In response to the accident, the Southern Naval Command has initiated a Board of Inquiry to ascertain the cause.
Yogendra Singh, a leading airman from Madhya Pradesh, tragically lost his life in the accident.
The Indian Navy expressed its condolences and issued a statement that read, “A Chetak helicopter met with a ground accident today during maintenance taxi checks at INS Garuda, Kochi, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life of one ground crew.”
The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R Harikumar, along with all personnel of the Indian Navy, deeply mourn the loss of life and pay tribute to Yogendra Singh, LAM, who lost his life in the unfortunate accident at Kochi. The Navy extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
INS Garuda boasts two intersecting runways, enabling the landing and takeoff of nearly all operational aircraft.
The station houses numerous training schools, intelligence centers, maintenance and repair facilities, as well as experimental stations to support the Navy’s operations.
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