An air force helicopter crash landed in the floodwaters in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur while conducting a flood relief sortie on Wednesday. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescued four personnel from the chopper with the help of the local people.

The incident occurred at Nayagaon in the Aurai block of the district. The ill-fated Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) had taken off from Sitamarhi to drop food packets and other relief material among the marooned population.

“An ALH helicopter, which was engaged in flood relief operations in the Sitamarhi sector in Bihar, executed a precautionary landing in the inundated area due to a technical issue. All crew are reported to be safe with no damage to civilian life or property reported. An inquiry has been ordered,” a statement by the IAF said.

According to the initial reports, the engine of the helicopter developed a snag after forcing the pilot to land it in the floodwaters. A major part of the ALH was submerged after the landing.

“As per our information, the engine of the helicopter failed and its pilot made an emergency landing as a precautionary measure. Our brave SDRF jawans rescued them quickly. The local people also helped in it,” Bihar disaster management department (DMD) additional chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit said.

The air force personnel flying in the helicopter escaped with minor injuries. One of them was unable to sit and was made to lie on the inflatable motorboat used by the SDRF to rescue them

“One of the air force personnel has injured his spine. We are shifting all four of them to the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital in Muzaffarpur for medical examination. They all are safe and are talking. The good thing is that the air force is sending another helicopter despite the setback and sorties for relief operations in the flood-hit areas will continue,” Amrit added.

Sources said that the presence of water cushioned the helicopter’s landing due to which the air force personnel did not suffer serious injuries.