On May 20, 2026, a HAL Cheetah helicopter crashed in the rugged Tangste region near Leh, Ladakh, during a routine operational flight. Three Indian Army officers, including Major General Sachin Mehta (General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division), were onboard and miraculously survived with only minor injuries. The incident occurred in a challenging high-altitude environment, and officials have described their survival as miraculous. Following the crash, a selfie featuring Major General Mehta and one of the pilots went viral, reflecting their high spirits despite the adversity faced. The incident has raised concerns regarding the Indian Army's ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, which are based on designs over sixty years old. The military is actively working to replace these helicopters with modern Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), with initial deliveries expected later in 2026. A formal Court of Inquiry has been initiated to investigate the crash's cause, which may include technical issues or environmental factors. This incident highlights the risks faced by military personnel operating in demanding terrains and the professionalism of Indian Army aviators.