Srinagar: In a daring mission, Indian Air Force (IAF) rescued a stranded civilian helicopter at a high altitude of 11,500 feet, near the Amarnath shrine in Jammu & Kashmir.
A Mi-17 V5 chopper was pressed into service after the single-engine helicopter developed some snag.
The civilian helicopter had caused blockage and disruption at Panchtarni helipad, the final helicopter drop point for Amarnath Yatra. It affected the regular transportation of pilgrims to the sacred shrine.
The Mi-17 helicopter crew managed to attach the damaged helicopter to its body, and airlifted it through a valley surrounded by steep mountains to Neelgrar helipad.
Watch the video tweeted by Indian Air Force:
On the request of the civil admin for smooth conduct of #AmarnathYatra, an IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter airlifted a stranded civil operated helicopter from Panchtarni to Neelgrar helipad.
The helipad which was blocked is now open for the ferry of pilgrims.#HarKaamDeshKeNaam pic.twitter.com/gDc7XxEKKb
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 1, 2023
The operation required precise “planning and preparation” due to the heavy load and challenging terrain, PTI quoted an IAF official as saying. IAF pilot displayed exceptional flying skills to flawlessly execute the rescue mission.
As many as 3.97 lakh pilgrims have visited the shrine since this year’s Amarnath yatra commenced on July 1. It will continue till August 31.
