A Pakistan Army helicopter crashed in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chilas, killing all five crew members due to a technical fault.
GB Chilas Helicopter Crash Details
On Monday, September 1, 2025, at approximately 10:00 AM, a Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed near Hudor village in Chilas, Diamer District, Gilgit-Baltistan, killing all five crew members on board due to a technical fault during a routine training mission.
Incident Overview
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the MI-17 helicopter, engaged in routine training, developed a technical fault and crash-landed about 12 kilometres from Thakdas Cantonment. The crew, identified as Major Atif (pilot in command), Major Faisal (co-pilot), Naib Subedar Maqbool (flight engineer), Havaldar Jahangir (crew chief), and Naik Amir (crew chief), were all killed. According to ISPR’s statement on X, the crash occurred during a test landing on a newly proposed helipad, confirming the technical fault as the cause.
Diamer Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abdul Hameed corroborated the incident, noting that the helicopter was conducting a test landing when it crashed, igniting a fire that complicated rescue efforts. Police and rescue teams were promptly dispatched to evacuate the site and extinguish the blaze.
Response and Condolences
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed deep sorrow, describing the crew’s sacrifice as “a source of pride for the nation.” He ordered an emergency at Chilas Hospital, ensuring medical staff availability to support rescue operations. The FCNA Commander, DG GB Scouts, and Commissioner Diamer, along with local residents, rushed to the site to assist in recovery efforts, highlighting community solidarity in the wake of the tragedy. The crash site, located in rugged Thor (Hudor) Valley near Chilas, posed challenges for rescue teams due to terrain and fire. Efforts to clear the wreckage and secure the area are ongoing, and while officials have cited a “technical fault,” the exact cause remains under investigation.
Regional and Safety Implications
The GB Chilas helicopter crash is the second such incident in Pakistan within a month, following a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government helicopter crash on August 15, 2025, in Mohmand district, which also killed five personnel during flood relief operations. In 2024, a petroleum company helicopter crashed in North Waziristan, claiming six lives. These incidents underscore persistent challenges in maintaining aviation safety, particularly for MI-17 helicopters, which are widely used for military and relief operations in Pakistan’s mountainous regions.
Gilgit-Baltistan, a strategically important region bordering China and India, relies heavily on helicopters for transport, security, and disaster response due to its challenging terrain. The crash raises concerns about the reliability of military aircraft and the adequacy of maintenance protocols, potentially impacting public confidence in regional operations.
Official and Community Response
The swift response from local authorities and residents reflects the region’s resilience in crisis. Chief Minister Khan’s call for a detailed inquiry signals a commitment to preventing future tragedies. However, while officials have cited a “technical fault,” past MI-17 incidents in Pakistan, including crashes in 2009 and 2015, have similarly been attributed to mechanical failures such as tail-rotor malfunction, with investigations revealing that these helicopters, despite regular servicing, were aging and heavily utilized.
Background
Pakistan’s military aviation has faced scrutiny due to recurring helicopter crashes. The MI-17, a Russian-manufactured helicopter, is a workhorse for Pakistan’s armed forces, used for training, transport, and disaster relief. Previous incidents, including the August 2025 crash in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the 2024 North Waziristan crash, have raised questions about ageing fleets and maintenance challenges. Gilgit-Baltistan’s rugged terrain and extreme weather often exacerbate operational risks, making aviation safety a critical issue.
What’s Next
Investigations into the GB Chilas helicopter crash will focus on identifying the technical fault’s cause, with potential involvement of Russian experts, as seen in the recent Khyber Pakhtunkhwa crash inquiry. The findings could prompt reforms in Pakistan’s military aviation protocols, aiming to enhance safety and prevent future losses.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 1st, 2025
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