Fg Offr Satyabrata Nandi

Flying Officer Satyabrata Nandi was born on 12 May 1940 in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. Growing up in a culturally rich and intellectually vibrant environment, he developed an early fascination for aviation and a deep sense of patriotism. His strong academic background and disciplined upbringing shaped his aspirations to join the Indian Armed Forces. Fg Offr Nandi was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 04 June 1967, at the age of 27. He entered the flying stream of the IAF and underwent rigorous training as a transport pilot, a crucial role in military aviation responsible for ferrying troops, equipment, and supplies, often in high-risk zones and under challenging conditions. Upon successful completion of his flying training, he was assigned to various transport squadrons of the Indian Air Force, where he participated in routine air operations as well as specialized missions. Through these postings, he gained hands-on experience with different aircraft and environments, steadily honing his flying skills and building a reputation as a dependable and competent pilot.

During this time, Fg Offr Nandi also embarked on a new chapter in his personal life by marrying Ms. Rakhi, forming a supportive and loving partnership that complemented his professional responsibilities. By the year 1971, Fg Offr Satyabrata Nandi had completed approximately four years of service in the Indian Air Force. Over these years, he had established himself as a proficient and reliable transport pilot, well-versed in the demands of tactical and strategic airlift operations. As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan in the latter half of 1971, culminating in the Indo-Pak war, the Indian Armed Forces began extensive mobilization. Fg Offr Nandi’s transport squadron was relocated to an operational sector in preparation for combat support roles. Once deployed, the squadron was tasked with vital logistical missions such as troop movement, supply drops, medical evacuation, and air maintenance—all of which were crucial to sustaining the frontline troops.

Indo-Pak war (Air Operation): 17 Dec 1971

During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Flying Officer Satyabrata Nandi was serving with the No. 43 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, popularly known as the "Ibexes". This distinguished transport squadron had been established on 20 January 1958 at Air Force Station Jorhat in the Eastern Sector. Equipped with C-47 Dakota aircraft, the squadron played a critical role in airlift and support operations, particularly in the challenging terrain of the Northeast. At the time of the war, the unit was under the command of Wing Commander KC (Koka) Sharma, an experienced and well-respected officer. With the formal outbreak of hostilities on 03 December 1971, No. 43 Squadron was rapidly mobilized and began operating from multiple air bases across the region. The squadron undertook numerous sorties involving troop transport, supply drops, casualty evacuations, and close support missions to assist ground operations—especially in the eastern theater bordering East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Although the war officially ended with the surrender of Pakistani forces on 16 December 1971, sporadic fighting and tactical operations continued in some border areas. It was in the context of these post-surrender support operations that Fg Offr Satyabrata Nandi was assigned a crucial mission on 17 December 1971.

The task assigned to Fg Offr Nandi was an air support operation along the Mohanbari–Moriganj axis, a critical area in the Eastern Sector still experiencing military activity. He was part of a four-member crew aboard a Dakota aircraft (tail number BJ-622). The crew for this mission comprised: Flight Lieutenant Joaquim D’Souza – Captain (Pilot), Flying Officer Satyabrata Nandi – Co-Pilot, Pilot Officer R.B. Umralikar – Navigator, Flight Sergeant H. Thakur – Flight Engineer. Following standard protocol, the crew conducted all pre-flight checks before takeoff. The aircraft departed as scheduled on 17 December, and the initial phase of the flight was uneventful. However, while flying over the Machuka region, the aircraft encountered a sudden technical malfunction, which rendered it uncontrollable. Despite the combined efforts and professionalism of the crew, including Fg Offr Nandi and Flt Lt D’Souza, the damage proved catastrophic. With limited options in the mountainous terrain and worsening aircraft condition, they were unable to recover control. The aircraft tragically crashed over the Machuka area, resulting in the loss of all four crew members.

Flying Officer Satyabrata Nandi, along with his fellow aircrew, made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation. His commitment to duty, courage in adversity, and steadfast resolve in the face of a life-threatening emergency reflect the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force. Fg Offr Nandi was a brave air warrior who laid down his life not in the heat of battle alone, but in the crucial operational aftermath that demanded equal courage and responsibility. His sacrifice, and that of his fellow crew members—Flt Lt Joaquim D'Souza, Plt Offr R.B. Umralikar, and Flt Sgt H. Thakur—remains etched in the annals of Indian Air Force history as a solemn reminder of the dedication and heroism of those who serve the nation from the skies.

Fg Offr Satyabrata Nandi is survived by his wife Smt Rakhi Nandi and daughter Ms Swati.