AFOVA New Letter 2 of Year 2021

Section 5 – War Diary CV 2 No. 02 / 2021 Page 74 of 332 Flt Eng & Tech Air Men Approx 60 About the Author Sqn Ldr Pushp Vaid, 21 NDA, was commissioned in 1962 and trained to fly helicopters in Oxford UK. He flew the Russian Mi4 helicopter in various units at Chabua, Bareilly and finally at Kumbhigram. Here is where he was appointed Flight Commander of an integrated Mi4 Unit to fight the war in East Pakistan during 1971. The story is of his and his Team’s experience during the War. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for his leadership, courage under fire and flying 34 missions in East Pakistan. After the War he migrated to the UK where he continued to fly helicopters with British Airways, later in Nigeria with a Dutch Company. He flew several modern helicopters such as the S61, S76 and finally the Chinook which has been recently inducted into the IAF. He had a miraculous escape over the Brent Oilfield in the North Sea when his Chinook Helicopter broke up in mid-air and crashed into the sea. 45 passengers including his co-pilot died in the accident. He and a co-passenger survived to tell the tale. Till date it is the most catastrophic accident on the Chinook worldwide. Retired from aviation he now lives in Scotland. Swarnim Varsh Flashback : Victorious Skyhawks on INS Vikrant (This is a standalone picture connected with 1971 operations. Not directly connected with the article above)