A Cheetah helicopter of the Indian Army crashed in the Tangste area near Leh on May 20, with three officers on board—including a Major General—escaping with minor injuries. The incident came to light on Thursday as a selfie taken by one of the officers went viral across social media platforms.

Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was traveling as a passenger in the single-engine helicopter. The aircraft was being piloted by a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major.

Viral Selfie Raises Eyebrows

What has drawn attention is not just the crash itself but what happened after. A photograph showing Major General Mehta seated near the mangled wreckage alongside the two pilots, smiling for a selfie, has been widely shared online.

The image, which surfaced on May 23, shows all three officers seated on rocky terrain with the downed helicopter visible in the background. Initial reactions online remain divided—some calling it a display of composure under pressure, others questioning the appropriateness of the timing.

Sources familiar with the incident said the officers sustained only minor injuries and were able to walk away from the crash site. Local authorities confirmed that all three were evacuated to a nearby military facility for preliminary medical checks.

What Happened Over Tangste

The Cheetah helicopter was on a routine sortie in the Tangste sector, located roughly 40 kilometres east of Leh, when it encountered difficulties. Officials said the pilots attempted to manage the situation before bringing the aircraft down in a controlled manner.

The exact sequence of events leading to the crash remains unclear. According to initial reports, the helicopter did not catch fire, which may have contributed to the survival of all three occupants. Weather conditions in the area during late afternoon on May 20 were described as generally clear but with occasional gusty winds—a known challenge for high-altitude operations.

Army Orders Formal Inquiry

The Army has initiated a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident. The probe will examine potential technical failures, mechanical defects, or geographical factors that may have contributed to the crash.

Cheetah helicopters, built originally by French aerospace firm Aérospatiale and operated by the Indian Army and Air Force for decades, are known for their high-altitude performance. However, the fleet has faced recurring concerns over ageing airframes and maintenance challenges. Several Cheetah and Chetak helicopters have been involved in incidents across mountainous terrain in recent years.

The Tangste area, close to the Line of Actual Control, is among the most challenging operational zones for rotary-wing aviation due to thin air, unpredictable weather, and steep valleys.

What Happens Next

The Court of Inquiry is expected to submit its preliminary findings within several weeks. Meanwhile, the three officers remain under observation. The Army has not yet commented on whether any administrative action will follow the viral photograph.

For now, the image of a Major General seated beside a crumpled helicopter—smiling—has become an unexpected talking point, even as investigators work to determine what went wrong above the Ladakh valley.