By ABDULLAH 
A Pakistan Army Aviation helicopter crashed on Monday morning in the Thor Valley near Chilas, Diamer District, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), killing all five crew members on board. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident occurred due to a technical fault while the aircraft was on a routine training flight.
The tragic accident has once again put the spotlight on aviation safety in Pakistan, particularly in the mountainous northern regions where difficult terrain and unpredictable weather often compound operational risks.
The helicopter, identified as a MI-17 belonging to the Army Aviation wing, was flying near Hudor village, approximately 12 kilometers from Thakdas Cantonment, when it developed a fault and crash-landed around 10:00 am.
In its official statement, ISPR said:
“On 1 Sep 25, at around 1000 hours, an MI-17 helicopter crash-landed near Hudor village. The helicopter was on routine training flying when it developed a technical fault and crashed. All crew members on board embraced martyrdom.”
Local residents reported heavy smoke rising from the crash site shortly after impact, while rescue teams, police, and military officials rushed to the scene to secure the area and recover the bodies.
ISPR confirmed the names of the five personnel who lost their lives in the crash:
- Major Atif – Pilot in Command
- Major Faisal – Co-pilot
- Naib Subedar Maqbool – Flight Engineer
- Havaldar Jahangir – Crew Chief
- Naik Amir – Crew Chief
The fallen soldiers have been hailed as martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Tributes have poured in from government officials, military leadership, and the public.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an emergency at Chilas District Hospital, directing all medical staff to remain on duty.
“The sacrifice of the martyrs of the helicopter crash is a source of pride for the nation,” the Chief Minister stated, adding that their service to the country will be remembered with honor.
Faizullah Firaq, GB government spokesperson, confirmed that the helicopter was sometimes used for relief and rescue operations in addition to training missions. He noted that the MI-17 had been conducting a test landing on a newly proposed helipad when the fault occurred.
This is not the first time Pakistan has witnessed such an aviation tragedy:
- August 2025: A rescue helicopter crashed in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during flood relief efforts, killing two pilots and three crew members.
- 2024: A petroleum company’s helicopter crashed near the Shewa oil field in North Waziristan, killing six and critically injuring eight.
- 2022 (Lasbela): An Army Aviation helicopter crashed during flood relief operations, killing senior military officials.
These repeated incidents raise concerns about technical safety checks, maintenance, and operational risks in difficult terrains like GB’s mountainous valleys.
News of the crash quickly spread across social media platforms, where Pakistanis expressed grief and solidarity with the families of the martyrs.
- On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #ChilasHelicopterCrash began trending, with users posting prayers and tributes.
- Facebook users shared condolences, many highlighting the sacrifices of Army Aviation pilots in both combat and humanitarian missions.
- Some also raised questions about the recurring pattern of “technical faults” in aviation accidents, urging authorities to conduct thorough investigations.
Experts point out that flying helicopters in high-altitude mountainous areas like Gilgit-Baltistan carries significant risks. Thin air reduces engine efficiency, weather changes abruptly, and landing spots are limited. Combined with aging fleets and heavy operational demand, technical malfunctions can quickly turn fatal.
According to aviation analysts, Pakistan needs to:
- Modernize its helicopter fleet with advanced systems.
- Increase safety audits and pre-flight checks.
- Improve pilot training for extreme conditions.
- Ensure availability of spare parts and upgraded maintenance facilities.
Military leadership and government officials paid homage to the martyrs. Citizens, too, recognized the “eagle-like courage” of the crew, as described by GB spokesperson Faizullah Firaq.
The incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by those serving in the aviation wing of the Pakistan Army—whether in combat operations, training flights, or humanitarian relief missions.
Following the crash, several rumors surfaced online suggesting the helicopter might have been on a relief mission. However, ISPR has confirmed that the flight was a routine training mission.
Similarly, while speculation pointed to weather conditions as a possible factor, both ISPR and GB officials have attributed the cause to a technical malfunction.
The Army helicopter crash in Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan has once again highlighted the challenges of aviation safety in Pakistan, particularly in high-altitude regions. The loss of five brave crew members—Major Atif, Major Faisal, Naib Subedar Maqbool, Hav Jahangir, and Naik Amir—is being mourned nationwide.
While tributes and prayers continue, the tragedy raises urgent questions about airworthiness, safety checks, and fleet modernization to prevent such incidents in the future.