A Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The crash happened shortly after take-off due to a technical fault, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military’s media wing said all personnel on board lost their lives. There were no survivors. Rescue teams reached the crash site quickly to recover the bodies and start operations. A Board of Inquiry has been ordered to find the exact reason for the accident.
The Mi-17 is a Russian-made medium-lift transport helicopter. It is widely used by the Pakistan Army for carrying troops, cargo, and other duties. It can carry up to 30 soldiers or heavy loads and is known for its power in tough mountain areas.
Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sadness over the loss. They offered condolences to the families of the brave soldiers who died in service. The whole nation stands with the families in this difficult time.
This is another sad incident involving an Mi-17. In September 2025, a similar technical fault caused a crash in Gilgit-Baltistan that killed five army personnel. Such accidents highlight the risks faced by Pakistan’s armed forces while operating in difficult terrain. The army continues to serve the country with courage despite these challenges.
