Ladakh Helicopter Crash: Army Commander’s Post-Crash Selfie Goes Viral After Dramatic Escape Near Leh

Ladakh Helicopter Crash: Army Commander’s Post-Crash Selfie Goes Viral After Dramatic Escape Near Leh

New Delhi, May 23 : Three Indian Army officers had a close call this week when their Cheetah helicopter crashed in Ladakh’s remote Tangtse region near Leh. The incident happened on May 20, during what was supposed to be a routine flight. Major General Sachin Mehta, who commands the 3 Infantry Division, was onboard with a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major—two Army pilots.

Despite the rugged mountain terrain and tough flying conditions, all three officers managed to walk away with just minor injuries. The Army quickly announced a Court of Inquiry to figure out exactly what went wrong.

But honestly, what set the internet buzzing wasn’t just the crash itself. It was a selfie—snapped by Major General Mehta right after the accident—that took social media by storm. The photo captures the three officers sitting next to the wrecked chopper, looking remarkably calm after such a wild escape. People online saw it as a rare moment showing real composure and survival.

This crash has fired up the old debate about the Army’s Cheetah helicopters again. These choppers have been around since the 1970s and still fly missions in tough spots like Ladakh and Siachen. Over the years, they’ve had a string of accidents, and concerns about their safety keep coming up among defense experts.

The Army’s working on replacing the aging fleet with new Light Utility Helicopters designed and built in India, but for now, the trusty—and sometimes risky—Cheetah keeps flying vital missions at high altitudes.

[ Ladakh helicopter crash, Army Cheetah helicopter, Major General Sachin Mehta, Leh chopper accident, Indian Army news, viral selfie ]

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