Photos: IAF
An IAF MI-17IV Helicopter was on a rescue mission to Timalwara helipad on 18 January 2013. While making an approach for landing the helicopter was hit by ground fire. Multiple bullet hits had extensively damaged the fuel tank, hydraulic system, rotor blades and AC generator resulting in hot oil and fuel gushing into the passenger compartment followed by failure of various systems.
The helicopter was skillfully manovered and handled by the aircrew and forced landed in a clear patch to minimise further damage. Despite the extensive damage, our team of motivated and dedicated air warriors worked round the clock that too away from base and successfully repaired the helicopter in record time and was flown back to base at 1645 hours today (22 Jan '13).
The helicopter is fully serviceable and back into operations to support the paramilitary forces operating in that area. Having completed it job successfully the team of air warriors is now back to its operating base. (Press Release)
