Craftsman Pabballa Anil SM

Craftsman Pabballa Anil hailed from Malkapur Village of Rajanna Sircilla district in Telangana. He always nursed the idea of serving in the Armed Forces while growing up. Following his passion he joined the army after completing his school education in the year 2012 at the age of 19 years. He got trained as a technician in the technical stream of aviation technology in the Army Aviation Corps,  the air arm of the Indian Army responsible for combat search and rescue (CSAR), artillery lift, combat transportation, logistics relief, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) in wartime and during natural disasters. By the year 2023, he had put in around 11 years of service and had served in various challenging operational areas. 

Operational Air Mission (J&K): 04 May 2023

During 2023, Cfn Pabballa Anil was serving with the 207 Army Aviation Squadron deployed in J&K under the overall command of the Northern Command of the Indian Army. The squadron was operating Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which was known to be a high-performance helicopter designed for operation over a very wide range of weight, center of gravity, and altitude conditions. The Advanced Light Helicopter was versatile, multi-role, multi-purpose, highly maneuverable, and rugged in construction.  On 04 May 2023, 207 Army Av Sqn was tasked for an operational air mission and Cfn Pabballa Anil was made part of the crew that was detailed to undertake the task along with the two pilots. 

On the morning of 04 May 2023, the crew took off in their helicopter to carry out the assigned task as per the operational plan. The flying in the area invariably threw up unexpected challenges to the pilots. The mountains and the rapidly changing weather conditions demanded a very high level of professional skills from the air crew. The initial phase of the mission was uneventful, but after some time the ALH presumably developed a serious snag resulting in an ememrgency situation. The pilots sent a 'MAY DAY' call to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) suggesting a technical or mechanical failure. Both pilots were experienced pilots with substantial flying experience but they apparently did not succeed in tackling the technical fault. Consequently, at about 1115 hours, they made a precautionary landing on the banks of Marua river in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir. However, owing to the undulating ground, undergrowth and unprepared landing area, the helicopter apparently made a hard landing.

As a result, the helicopter suffered damage and the crew sustained serious injuries. On reciveing the information about the mishap, an immediate rescue operation was launched and Army rescue teams reached the site. Cfn Pabballa Anil and the pilots were transported to the command hospital in Udhampur for medicla treatment. However, Cfn Pabballa Anil later succombed to his injuries and was amrtyred. Cfn Pabballa Anil was a valiant and committed soldier, who laid down his life at the age of 29 years in the service of the nation. Cfn Pabballa Anil was awarded the "Sena Medal" posthumously on 26 Jan 2024 for his commendable gallantry, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. He is survived by his wife and two sons.