Air Force missile strikes MI-17 helicopter in Budgam

(PTI) New Delhi, Ta. August 23, 2019, Friday

India's MI-4 helicopter was struck by the Indian Air Force's Surface-to-Air missile in Budgam, Kashmir, on the morning of February 7, when fighting was underway between the Indian and Pakistani air forces after Balakot Airstrike.

After nearly six months of investigation, the Indian Air Force's Court of Inquiry blamed five Air Force officers for the crash of the helicopter, government sources said on Friday. The helicopter crashed, killing six Air Force personnel and a civilian on the ground.

The court of inquiry found in the incident that a Mi-4V-4 helicopter was returning to Srinagar Airbase when it was attacked by a ground missile of the Indian Air Force. Five officers, including the Chief Operating Officer of Srinagar Base, were blamed for the crash and all could face severe punishment as per the provisions of the military law.

The top Air Force officials will decide on the proportion of punishment, sources said. The Air Force will take action against the convicts, including the charge of culpable homicide, according to a court report of the Inquiry.