Service No : 19880 F(P)

Date of Birth : July 28, 1967

Place of birth : Ahmednagar(Mah)

Last Rank : Flying Officer

Unit : 19 Sqn AF

Arm/Regt : Indian Air Force

Martyrdom : July 15, 1990

Flying Officer Sandeep Kumar Mitra

Flying Officer Sandeep Kumar Mitra hailed from Ahmednagar in Maharashtra. Born on 28 July 1967 to Shri Sunil Kumar Mitra and Smt Labonaya Mitra, he exhibited exceptional academic brilliance and discipline from an early age. He completed his matriculation from Sacred Heart Convent High School, Ahmednagar, where he stood first in the school in the Std X Board Exams. He then pursued further studies at Ahmednagar College before embarking on his journey into military service. His unwavering dedication and passion for serving the nation led him to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 73rd Course. During his time at NDA Khadakwasla (1985-1987), Golf Squadron, he underwent rigorous training, excelling in both academics and physical endurance. His perseverance and commitment culminated in his graduation from NDA on 1 December 1987.

 

Following NDA, he proceeded to the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, near Hyderabad, for advanced training. At AFA, he underwent multiple phases of flying training, mastering both theoretical and practical aspects of aviation. His exceptional performance earned him a commission as a Pilot Officer on 17 December 1988, as part of the 142nd Pilots' Course. Demonstrating exceptional aptitude and interest in the transport stream, he was selected to train on the Antonov AN-32 (Sutlej), a rugged and versatile transport aircraft known as the workhorse of the IAF. Pilot Officer Mitra underwent rigorous training on the AN-32 at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bangalore. This phase honed his skills in operating the aircraft under varied conditions, preparing him for operational roles in challenging environments. Upon completing his AN-32 training, Pilot Officer Mitra was posted to 19 Squadron at Air Force Station Tambaram, Tamil Nadu. At the time, the squadron was actively engaged in Operation Pawan, the Indian military's mission to support the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka during the ongoing conflict. 

 

Operational Air Mission: 15 Jul 1990

 

In 1990, Flight Officer Sandeep Mitra was serving with No. 19 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, a unit with a distinguished history of operations. The squadron, initially formed in Agra in 1960 with C-119G Packets, played a pivotal role in air maintenance operations, especially in the challenging terrains of Jammu and Kashmir. For several years, No. 19 Squadron alternated its operations between Srinagar in summer and Pathankot in winter, ensuring critical supplies and troop movements in the region. The squadron operated flights to strategic locations such as Leh, Fukche, and Chushul, and conducted air drops to multiple drop zones. Notably, the squadron achieved several aviation milestones, including the first-ever landing at Nyoma Rap and Daulat Beg Oldi in 1962, utilizing the J-34 Jet Pack. These feats underscored the squadron's operational excellence and its ability to function in extreme conditions.

 

During the 1962 Indo-China conflict, No. 19 Squadron operated extensively out of Srinagar and Pathankot, providing vital air support to Indian troops in the region. Over the years, the squadron's crest, symbolizing its identity and achievements, was approved by the President of India, further cementing its legacy. In the mid-1960s, the squadron moved back to Agra but continued to share the air maintenance responsibilities for Jammu and Kashmir with No. 12 Squadron. However, on 27th July 1977, the squadron was number-plated, a term used to indicate its temporary disbandment. The unit was later revived on 1st April 1985, this time equipped with Dakota aircraft for aerial seeding operations, and it was based in Delhi with the Transport Training Unit (TTU). This marked a new chapter for the squadron, diversifying its operational role while retaining its legacy of excellence and service. On 01 April 1988, it changed over to AN-32 at Air Force Station Tambaram. 

 

On July 15, 1990, Fg Offr Sandeep Kumar Mitra, serving as the co-pilot, embarked on a routine mission aboard an AN-32 (K2705) transport aircraft. The mission, led by Wing Commander Shapur Erachshaw Baria as the captain, was a scheduled flight from Air Force Station Tambaram to Air Force Station Thiruvananthapuram. This operation, like many similar missions before it, was expected to proceed without incident. However, tragedy struck during the final phase of the flight. As the aircraft approached Thiruvananthapuram Airport, the crew realized that their altitude was insufficient to safely navigate the terrain. This critical oversight proved fatal as the aircraft descended into the Ponmudi Mountain range. It struck treetops, causing a loss of stability. Unable to recover from the ensuing stall, the aircraft crashed into a wooded area on the slopes of Mount Ponmudi, just 30 minutes before its scheduled landing.

 

The crash site, located approximately 37 kilometers northeast of the airport, was in a region characterized by dense forests and challenging terrain. The impact led to the complete destruction of the aircraft and claimed the lives of all five crew members on board, including Flying Officer Mitra and Wing Commander Baria. Despite prompt rescue efforts, the lives of these courageous air warriors could not be saved. Fg Offr Sandeep Kumar Mitra, at just 23 years old, exemplified remarkable dedication, skill, and bravery in the service of the nation. Fg Offr Sandeep Kumar Mitra is survived by his brothers Shri Chiradeep Mitra & Shri Pradeep Mitra.

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10 Comments

  • Chiradeep Mitra, Brother of Flying Officer Sandeep Kumar Mitra

    2025 at 1:32 am Reply

    I am thankful from the bottom of my heart for publishing the details of my brother Flying Officer Sandeep Kumar Mitra in Honourpoint the Online Memorial dedicated to Soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty .

    It gives my family an immense sense of pride to see the information that is published in your portal & which is doing this selfless service as a tribute to the Soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in sevice of our Nation.

    Salute to team at Honourpoint for publishing this precious information of my brother who would also feel happy in the heaven , as they say ” Soldiers never die “.

  • Anoop kumar mittra

    2025 at 8:10 pm Reply

    Proud of my dear brother Sandeep Mitra, Flying Officer , who sacrificed his life in service of our nation, salute to all brave soldiers of the country

  • Col Pankaj Sharma

    2025 at 7:44 pm Reply

    A lot has been written about my sefless coursemate Sandeep Mitra but it will never be enough to desrcibe the boy he was . I am short of words to explain my agony at the loss of my colleague, barely three years into service, with whom I had the umblical connect owing to our great Alma’mater….NDA . Our recently concluded course reunion was incomplete without him and many other coursemates whom we lost in “Service Before Self ” for the nation …truly glorifying motto of defence services. We are proud of him and the rest and envy the heaven where they light up the sky as our stars with beam of bravery, courage and glory unparalleled. See on other side brother as none can divide our NDA eternal bond .

  • Col Pankaj Sharma

    2025 at 7:47 pm Reply

    A lot has been written about my sefless coursemate Sandeep Mitra but it will never be enough to desrcibe the boy he was . I am short of words to explain my agony at the loss of my colleague, barely three years into service, with whom I had the umblical connect owing to our great Alma’mater….NDA . Our recently concluded course reunion was incomplete without him and many other coursemates whom we lost in “Service Before Self ” for the nation …truly glorifying motto of defence services. We are proud of him and the rest and envy the heaven where they light up the sky as our stars with beam of bravery, courage and glory unparalleled. See you on other side brother as none can divide our NDA eternal bond .

  • Monika Mitra - Sister-in-law of Flying Officer Sandeep Kumar Mitra

    2025 at 1:48 pm Reply

    Flying Officer Sandeep Mitra was a jewel of Mitra family. An exemplary scholar , military leader & gentleman of highest standards , always ready to help attitude , abundant generosity, I have heard so many inspirational stories about him from the people who have been associated with him.
    Salute to all the gallant soldiers who have sacrificed their precious lives in the service of our Nation.

  • Monika Mitra

    2025 at 2:48 pm Reply

    Flying Officer Sandeep Mitra was a jewel in our Family.

    An intelligent & ingenious scholar , disciplined & a valiant air force officer, he exemplified highest standards of professionalism.

    I have heard so many stories of his generosity & compassionate attitude from his parents , siblings , friends , comrades & associates.

    Salute to all the brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our Nation.

  • PRADEEP SUNIL MITRA

    2025 at 12:00 pm Reply

    I am pained at the loss of My younger brother Flying officer Sandeep Kumar Mitra who was a through gentlemen officer Of the Indian Air Force.His passing away at such a young age has legt a vacuum in our lives.I am not only his brother but I was also his teacherat AHMEDNAGAR COLLEGE Iin Class XI.He was a gem of a person calm quiet and a through gentlemen.

  • PRADEEP SUNIL MITRA

    2025 at 12:43 pm Reply

    Flying officer Sandeep Kumar Mitra was a calm quiet and gentlemen officer of the Indian Air Force.He was not only my younger brother but also my student.He was a scholar to the core having stood first in the Board exam of class X at Sacred Heart Convent High School Ahmednagar.He was also rhe Head Boy of The school.His pasding away at such a young age has left a vaccuum in our lives

  • PRADEEP SUNIL MITRA

    2025 at 1:04 pm Reply

    Proud of My younger brother Flying Officer Sandeep Kumar Mitra who was a calm quiet person and scholar par excellence.His passing away has left a vacuum in our lives.

  • ZAFAR SHUJAUDDIN KAZI

    2025 at 10:14 pm Reply

    Proud of my school mate, Sandeep Mitra with whom I have studied. He was a very good friend who helpd me in studies and was very supportive. He left us so early, but he will be always in our heart and will be remembered forever. Lots of prayers from the bottom of our hearts.

    Salute to all the brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our Nation.

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