This refers to your editorial “Defence aircraft crashes need probe” (December 10). Nothing was more unfortunate and tragic than the crash of the defence chopper, Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying our CDS ,his wife and his men from Sulur airbase, Coimbatore on way to Defence Staff College, Wellington for an important engagement on this Wednesday 8 December, 13 precious lives lost, 1 battling for survival in Bengaluru hospital now. The news was a bombshell never expected. Often we lay the cause because of destiny which may or may not be correct. The government has ordered a tri – services inquiry to be headed by Air Marshal Manavendra Singh. Our ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Bipin Rawat was an exceptional military commander who inspired many, however often in controversies. None of us can be over partisanship in life, respected commander no exception. One may differ but will be remembered for his daring, blunt moves to improve the military wings and patriotic to the core. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of all deceased, government must never neglect their concerns and void.
Inquiry set up will definitely probe the crash and come to a conclusion. Factors may be bad climate, machine problems, loss of air traffic control, human error singly or in combination. In hindsight one wishes all the members could have been saved had they took vehicles to reach their destination. The country had seen many such crashes since the 60s, as per data 43 aircrafts damaged from 2014 – 2020. Russian-made helicopters and choppers, considered the best face ageing problems , concerned authorities have to look into the matter and go for complete replenishment including the need for better and safety fire fighting requirements. The ill – fated chopper must have been looked from all angles before boarding by the VVIP and his team.
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Choppers, helicopters, aeroplanes have to be thoroughly modernised and made safe for travel by VVIPs, political leaders and air passengers. The current monumental tragedy will create some fear psychosis among many and some reassurance of substance necessary. There is optimism that the Black Box and the Flight Data Recorder have been found and safe, much can be ascertained the cause of the crash.
Time to introspect on such tragedies and never must be another tragedy. Time also for greater synergy among political authorities, bureaucrats in defence ministry and men in uniform to know about all prevalent ills and go for remedial measures assumingly had Bipin Rawat survived integration processes may have been smoother. Our Defence Forces are by and large status quoists time for awakening and transform all spheres.
The three wings of Defence have to rise from this catastrophe for every soldier knows and believes “Tell my nation not to cry, am born a soldier not to die. ” To me, misty and foggy weather of the beautiful Nilgiris contributed to the tragic tale, authorities could have persuaded not to take the risk.
