IAF’s Sarang team back in action after losing mate

Indian Air Force’s formation flying team Sarang, which lost a colleague in the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) crash during rehearsals for the Aero India 2007 air show on February 2, was back in action, performing their trademark breathtaking manoevres at the Yehalanka air force base in Bangalore.

However, the four-chopper flying team performed with only three helicopters after substantially altering its formation. Squadron leader Priye Sharma was killed while Wing Commander V Jaitley was injured when the aircraft crashed during the rehearsals ahead of the air show.

But, the rest of the team took to the skies during the ensuing air show and entertained the spectators with a power-packed performance, dedicated to the memory of their mate Priye Sharma. The team staged nine manoevres in eight minutes against the eight drills they used to perform in eleven minutes earlier.

“Like true warriors, we have overcome the grief and resumed flying” said Sarang team leader Wing Commander Shashank Misra. However, he said the team members were missing the Priye Sharma, a shy but mature pilot, and the highly disciplined Jaitley, who is recovering form the injuries sufferred during the mishap.

The Priye Sharma and Jaitley team used to fly in the No. 2 position in Sarang team while the team leader flies in No. 1 spot.

Shashank Misra could not help, but recall how Jaitley and Sharma were keen to perform in the air show. The duo had last interacted with the rest of the team during a “walk in” briefing before they took off for rehearsals, which proved fatal.