IAF's Apache chopper makes emergency landing in Ladakh

An Apache chopper of the Indian Air Force made an emergency landing in Ladakh during a routine training exercise on April 4.

The IAF said that the chopper sustained damage due to undulating terrain and high altitude. Both pilots on board the copter are said to be safe.

The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry into the incident.

"An IAF Apache helicopter carried out a precautionary landing during an operational training sortie in Ladakh on April 3. During the process of this landing, it sustained damage due to undulating terrain and high altitude," the IAF said in a brief statement.

"Both the pilots on board are safe and have been recovered to the nearest airbase. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause," it said.

The first batch of Apaches were inducted in September 2019 and are base at Air Force Station, Pathankhot, Punjab.

The Apaches were deployed at the Leh air base as part of the forward movement of assets, amid the stand-off with China in Ladakh.

The AH-64E is an advanced multi-mission helicopter with the latest technology insertions, maintaining its standing as the world’s best attack helicopter. It is the only available combat helicopter with a spectrum of capabilities for virtually any mission requirement, including greater thrust and lift, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.

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