A Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad on Wednesday shortly after take-off due to a technical fault, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military confirmed that all personnel on board were killed in the crash, with no survivors reported.
Details of the Incident
The helicopter went down in the Muzaffarabad region, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, soon after departing. The ISPR statement attributed the crash to a technical malfunction, though further investigation is expected to determine the exact cause. Rescue teams were dispatched to the site, but no survivors were found.
Specifications of the Mi-17 Helicopter
The Mi-17 is a Russian-made medium-lift transport helicopter developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant as an upgraded version of the Mi-8. It is a versatile aircraft widely used for military and civilian purposes. The helicopter can carry up to 30 soldiers, 12 stretchers, or approximately 4,000 kilograms of cargo. An external sling allows it to lift loads of up to three tonnes. It is powered by two Klimov TV3-117 engines and can achieve speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour.
Ongoing Developments
This is a developing story, and further details are expected to emerge as investigations proceed. The Pakistan Army has not yet released the names of the victims or the specific mission the helicopter was undertaking. The crash adds to a history of aviation incidents involving military helicopters in the region, often attributed to challenging terrain and technical issues.
This report is based on initial information from the ISPR. Updates will follow as more facts become available.
