A Pakistan Army Aviation helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad on Wednesday, killing all personnel on board, according to the ISPR. The military’s media wing said the Mi-17 helicopter developed a technical fault during take-off before the accident occurred.
“All personnel on board embraced Shahadat. There were no survivors,” the ISPR said in a statement.
The helicopter belonged to Pakistan Army Aviation, a branch that provides transport, logistics, surveillance and operational support to military formations across the country.
Soon after the crash, rescue and recovery teams reached the site and launched emergency operations.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the personnel who lost their lives.
The military said a board of inquiry would investigate the incident and determine the exact technical cause behind the crash.
The accident occurred near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a mountainous region where military and civilian helicopters frequently operate because of challenging terrain and limited road access.
Army Leadership Expresses Grief
Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
According to the ISPR, the army chief and all ranks of the Pakistan Army conveyed their condolences to the families of the deceased personnel.
The military described the loss as a tragic incident and paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who died in the crash.
Pakistan Army Aviation plays a critical role in supporting military operations, disaster relief efforts and humanitarian missions. Its fleet includes transport helicopters that regularly fly in remote and mountainous areas.
The Mi-17 is one of the most widely used military transport helicopters in the world. Pakistan has employed the aircraft for troop movement, logistics support, rescue missions and relief operations during natural disasters.
The helicopter’s ability to operate in difficult weather and rugged terrain has made it a key component of military aviation operations.
Inquiry Ordered Into Technical Fault
Military aviation accidents remain relatively rare, but authorities typically launch detailed investigations whenever they occur.
The board of inquiry will examine technical records, maintenance history and operational procedures linked to the aircraft.
Investigators will also assess the circumstances surrounding the reported technical fault during take-off.
The findings will help determine whether mechanical failure, maintenance issues or other factors contributed to the accident.
Pakistan’s armed forces routinely conduct aviation safety reviews and technical inspections to maintain operational readiness across their air fleets.
The latest crash has once again highlighted the risks faced by military aviation crews who operate in demanding environments across the country.
As rescue teams complete recovery efforts and investigators begin their work, the focus now shifts to establishing the exact cause of the tragedy and supporting the families of the personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
