2011 Pawan Hans Mi-17 crash

The 2011 Pawan Hans Mi-17 crash occurred on May 24, 2011, when an Indian Air Force-operated Mil Mi-17 helicopter, chartered by Pawan Hans Helicopters, went down near the hilly terrain of the North Sikkim region in India. The incident claimed the lives of all 14 individuals aboard, including five Indian Air Force personnel and nine civilians, who were primarily involved in a government project. The helicopter was en route to a forward base when it lost contact with air traffic control. An investigation conducted by the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) attributed the crash to poor weather conditions and pilot decision-making. The tragedy highlighted concerns over helicopter operations in challenging environments and led to increased scrutiny of flight safety protocols in India.