A high-level probe by the IAF into the crash of a MI-17 helicopter on February 27 this year in Budgam in Jammu & Kashmir has held five officers guilty as it was found out that the helicopter went down after getting hit by an Indian missile, generally known as ‘friendly fire.’ The incident took place on the day when the Pakistani jets intruded into India leading to a dog fight. All the six crew members and a civilian on the ground were killed in the crash.
These findings are part of the mandatory court of inquiry and its report is now with the Air Force headquarters for further action. The officers found guilty of negligence and not following procedures include one Group Captain, two Wing Commanders and two Flight Lieutenants, sources said here on Friday.
They also said the officers may face severe punishment as per provisions of the military law adding the IAF top brass will decide on the quantum of punishment to those held responsible for the incident.
They also said the IAF will initiate action based on the report of the court of inquiry headed by an Air Commodore and the officers may face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The inquiry found that the ‘Identification of Friend or Foe’ (IFF) system on-board the helicopter was switched off and there was a “vital gap” in communication and coordination between the ground staff and the crew of the ill-fated helicopter.
The IFF helps air defence radars identify whether an aircraft or helicopter is friendly or hostile.
In early May, the IAF transferred the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of Srinagar base to ensure a thorough probe into the incident.
The helicopter crashed in Budgam on February 27 when Indian and Pakistani fighter jets were engaged in aerial combat, a day after India’s air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan. The Pakistani jets unsuccessfully attempted to target various Indian military installations in Rajouri and Poonch sectors.
Officials said the Court of Inquiry was also specifically focusing on examining the role of various people, including those controlling the air defence system when the helicopter was hit by a surface-to-air missile.
Incidentally, the helicopter was shot down around the same time when Indian and Pakistani fighter jets were engaged in the aerial battle. Moreover, the incident took place when the Indian forces on their highest alert following the Pakistani aerial raid. The helicopter crashed within ten minutes of take off after getting hit by own missile.