According to police, the copter with the two pilots crashed into a shed in Jai Bhawani locality soon after takeoff from the Nashik Aviation Center. Police cordoned off the area where the crash took place and a team of army officials visited the accident site and began investigations.

A senior police official speaking to Arab News said, “It was a routine sortie as part of a drill. Instructor Maj. Atul Garje of Jodhpur Aviation Center and trainee Capt. Bhanu Chander took off for Goa from Nashik in the ill-fated helicopter at 8.30 a.m. The copter developed a technical flaw within ten minutes after the takeoff.

The pilots could eject, but had they done so there was possibility of the helicopter crashing into civilian locality. Therefore Garje and Chander decided to land the chopper in an empty area.

While trying to land the chopper, Maj. Garje tried his best to prevent the helicopter from hitting a populated area. But the tail of the copter hit a tree and crashed. During his attempt to land, Maj. Garje was in constant touch with the Nashik Air Traffic Control.

An eyewitness said there was a loud bang after the chopper crashed.