An Mi17-V5 helicopter carrying Bipin Rawat, India’s
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), crashed in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. A total of 14
people were on board, including General Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat. 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper, Mi17-V5, that had
the CDS on board, is a top-quality specimen in India’s quiver. The helicopter
took off from an Army base in Sulur near Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore and was
heading towards Wellington in Udhamandalam, where a Defence Services Staff
College is located.

Also Read | Chopper with Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on board crashes in Tamil Nadu

The Mi17-V5 helicopter carrying the CDS is produced by
Kazan Helicopters, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. Although of superior
make, the Mi17-V5 chopper has been involved in several accidents in India.  Here’s a look at some of the helicopter
crashes involving Mi17-V5.

November 18, Arunachal Pradesh

A helicopter of the same make that crashed on
Wednesday also crashed at the Rochcham helipad in Arunachal Pradesh on November
18 this year. The helicopter, with two pilots and three crew members on board,
crashed while carrying out an air maintenance sortie.

Also Read | Tamil Nadu helicopter crash: Who all were on the aircraft?

February 27, 2019 in Jammu and Kashmir

An Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter also crashed near
Garend Kalan village in Budgam area in Jammu and Kashmir on February 27, 2019.

July 14, 2018 in Uttarakhand

During a practice drill in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli
district, an Mi-17V5 helicopter crash landed after developing a technical snag
on July 14, 2018.

June 25, 2013 in Uttarakhand

An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed during rescue
operations in rain-ravaged Uttarakhand killing eight people, including five
crew members, on June 25, 2013.

August 31, 2012 in Gujarat

Nine Indian Air Force personnel died after two Mi-17V5
helicopters crashed into each other near the Jamnagar air base in Gujarat on
August 31, 2012.

November 19, 2010 in Arunachal Pradesh

Twelve people died after Indian Air Force Mi-17V5
helicopter near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Mi17V5 helicopter is a superior chopper of Russian
descent. The helicopter’s cockpit and vital components are protected with
armoured plates. It also has an aft machine gun position fitted with armoured
plates to protect the gunner.