SOURCE: AFI
A team of specialist mountaineers and engineers has successfully retrieved the Indian Air Force’s AH-64E Apache helicopter from the Khardung La region. The helicopter had made a precautionary landing during an operational sortie in April of this year.
The Boeing Apache helicopter made an emergency landing on April 4 at a location north of the Khardung La, a 18,380-foot-high pass. Both pilots were airlifted safely from the scene on the same day. However, the retrieval of the helicopter itself posed significant challenges due to the remote and high-altitude terrain.
A meticulous operation was undertaken to recover the helicopter’s components. All parts, numbering around 400, were carefully removed one by one and physically carried by personnel to the nearest road. From there, the parts were transported to Leh.
The airframe and engine were particularly challenging to move. Specialized cranes were used to load these heavy components onto trucks for transportation to Leh. The entire retrieval process required meticulous planning, coordination, and the expertise of highly skilled personnel.
The successful retrieval of the Apache helicopter is a testament to the Indian Air Force’s capabilities and the dedication of its personnel in challenging environments. It also highlights the importance of preparedness and emergency response in high-altitude operations.