Captain Penny Chaudhary, one of India’s few women helicopter pilots, passed away on Tuesday (28th March) after putting up a brave fight for 17 days. The Coast Guard Assistant Commandant was the co-pilot of the helicopter that crash-landed in Murud, Raigad, on March 10.
Also: Rachna Bisht Rawat Shows Teens How Army Is A Real Career Option
The injury
The helicopter was on a routine sortie with four passengers -- Deputy Commandant Balwinder Singh, Assistant Commandant Chaudhary, and two divers Sandeep and Baljeet -- when it crash landed.
Chaudhary was one of the first women defence chopper pilots of India
Also: “Women Officers Would Be A Great Asset To The Army,” Sumann Sharma
Chaudhary sustained severe head injuries. She was admitted at the naval hospital INHS Asvini in south Mumbai’s Colaba. After undergoing a surgery, she was kept on life support.
Also: Biopic On Gunjan Saxena, First Woman To Fly In Kargil War Zone, On Cards
When the helicopter engine shut mid-air, the pilot and the co-pilot used the rotor’s movement to glide the chopper towards the shore to prevent it from falling into the sea. They attempted to land the helicopter on a sandy part of the beach but couldn't. It landed on a rocky patch on Nadagram beach.
Chaudhary was the first to disembark from the crashed helicopter. Unfortunately, she was hit on her helmet by the rotor blade which was moving slowly.
Also: Gunjan Saxena, salute the first Indian woman who flew in Kargil’s combat zone
A Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed Chaudhary's demise. Coast Guard officials said Chaudhary had suffered internal bleeding and other injuries after the chopper's rotor struck her head.
We salute the braveheart!
Also: A Chopper Ride To In-Laws’ Home For Two UP Brides
Also: Army Major Pays Tribute To Martyr Husband With Newborn In Arms
Picture credit: India Today
/shethepeople/media/agency_attachments/iUYfaBbcMozaYLoGnoov.png)
Follow Us/shethepeople/media/post_banners/uMaLBkiGEmFGdhQhvsf3.jpeg)