Shocking Helicopter Crashes: Helicopters are a requirement for rescue, defense, and transportation missions, but susceptible to hazard from weather, mechanical failure, or human error. Some of the crashes during all these years have left an impression because of their high-profile nature and the tragic loss that came with it. A look at the 10 most shocking helicopter crashes in history, some of which took place in India and left the nation shaken, follows below.
Basketball icon Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people died after their Sikorsky S-76B crashed in California due to heavy fog. The world was in mourning.
India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 others died in a Mi-17V5 helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. It was India’s worst military air loss in recent history.
Iranian President Raisi and senior officials died in a crash through mountains and fog. The political worldwide impact was instantaneous and overwhelming.
An Indian Army helicopter crashed near the Siachen Glacier, one of the world’s toughest terrains. Inclement weather and bad visibility led to the accident.
Thai tycoon and owner of Leicester City Football Club Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died after his helicopter crashed outside a stadium. The footballing world was left in shock.
Seven personnel of the defense were killed when an IAF Mi-17 helicopter crashed during a supply mission in Arunachal Pradesh.
A crash in Nepal claimed the lives of several conservationists, including Indians. It was a blow for environmental and scientific communities.
Francisco Blake Mora died in a helicopter crash near Mexico City, which generated widespread speculation and investigation.
Pawan Hans helicopter carrying ONGC officials crashed along the coast of Mumbai, where maintenance and safety of civilian helicopters were questioned.
A helicopter tourist crashed into the East River, and only the pilot survived. It set off debates regarding air tour safety worldwide.
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These accidents remind us of the fact that aviation safety, and particularly helicopter safety, needs to be given a high priority all the time, particularly in isolated and high-risk areas such as India’s border and mountains.