2011 Pawan Hans Mi-17 crash

Pawan Hans

Industry	Aviation (Helicopter services)
Headquarters	India

Template:Infobox aircraft occurrence On 19 April 2011, a Mil Mi-17 helicopter managed by Pawan Hans crashed close to the town of Tawang, India, resulting in the deaths of 17 out of the 23 individuals aboard.

Accident

The helicopter departed at 12:45 pm from Borjhar Airport in Assam on a domestic route headed for Tawang town in Tawang district, India. There were five crew members and eighteen passengers on board. Around 13:50 pm, as the aircraft reached its destination and was attempting to land at the Tawang Civil helipad situated atop a hill, it undershot the landing area, crashed into a ravine, and subsequently caught fire.

Aircraft

The helicopter involved in the incident was a Mil Mi-17 with the registration VT-PHF. This same aircraft had previously experienced an emergency landing within the identical geographical area.

Casualties

Of the 23 individuals aboard, 17 lost their lives, including three members of the crew. Among those deceased, two were minors. Initially, two passengers survived the impact but succumbed later due to injuries sustained from the ensuing fire.

Investigation

According to a representative from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), preliminary findings indicate that the helicopter crash-landed likely because of wind shear and a downdraft encountered during landing, resulting in a fire upon ground impact.