Service No : 10932 F(P)

Date of Birth : November 6, 1943

Last Rank : Wing Commander

Unit : 19 Sqn AF

Arm/Regt : Indian Air Force

Martyrdom : July 15, 1990

Wing Commander SE Baria

Wing Commander Shapur Erachshaw Baria, born on November 6, 1943, grew up in an environment that valued discipline and dedication, qualities that he embodied throughout his life.  After completing his graduation, his passion for aviation and service to the nation led him to the IAF, where he was selected to join the prestigious 97th Pilots' Course. On June 4, 1967, at the age of 23, he was commissioned as a pilot in the IAF. He began his journey as a transport pilot, a role that demanded exceptional skill, resilience, and adaptability. His rigorous training and natural aptitude for aviation allowed him to quickly master the complexities of operating various transport aircraft. His ability to perform under challenging conditions and his dedication to duty earned him widespread recognition among his peers and superiors.

 

Within a year of his commissioning, he was promoted to the rank of Flying Officer on June 4, 1968, a testament to his exemplary performance and potential. Over the next few years, he continued to demonstrate his commitment to excellence and his ability to take on greater responsibilities. This dedication led to his promotion to the rank of Flight Lieutenant on June 4, 1972. Throughout his career, Wing Commander Baria remained a symbol of professionalism and leadership. His exceptional flying skills, unwavering commitment to the mission, and ability to inspire those around him became the hallmark of his service. 

 

Operational Air Mission: 15 Jul 1990

 

During 1990, Wing Commander Shapur Erachshaw Baria was serving with No. 19 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, a unit with a distinguished history of operational excellence. The squadron, originally formed in Agra in 1960 with C-119G Packets, had a legacy of critical air maintenance operations in the challenging terrains of Jammu and Kashmir. Over the years, the squadron achieved several aviation milestones, including the first-ever landings at Nyoma Rap and Daulat Beg Oldi in 1962, utilizing the J-34 Jet Pack. Its operations in Srinagar and Pathankot during the Indo-China conflict of 1962 underscored its vital role in supporting Indian troops. In its decades-long journey, No. 19 Squadron underwent significant transformations. It was number-plated in 1977, only to be revived in 1985 with Dakota aircraft for aerial seeding operations. By April 1988, it transitioned to the AN-32 aircraft, based at Air Force Station Tambaram, Tamil Nadu, marking a new era of operational versatility.

 

On July 15, 1990, Wing Commander Shapur Erachshaw Baria, now a seasoned pilot, embarked on a routine mission as the captain of an AN-32 transport aircraft. The mission, a scheduled flight from Air Force Station Tambaram to Air Force Station Thiruvananthapuram, was expected to be uneventful. Flying Officer Sandeep Kumar Mitra, serving as the co-pilot, joined Wg Cdr Baria alongside three other crew members for the operation. Tragedy struck during the final phase of the flight as the aircraft approached Thiruvananthapuram Airport. A critical misjudgment in altitude left the crew unable to safely navigate the mountainous terrain. The AN-32 struck treetops in the Ponmudi Mountain range, destabilizing the aircraft. Despite their experience and training, the crew could not recover from the ensuing stall, and the aircraft crashed into a dense, wooded area on the slopes of Mount Ponmudi, just 30 minutes shy of its destination.

 

The crash site, located approximately 37 kilometers northeast of the airport, posed significant challenges for rescue operations due to the dense forests and rugged terrain. The impact destroyed the aircraft and claimed the lives of all five crew members on board, including Wing Commander Baria and Flying Officer Mitra. Wing Commander Shapur Erachshaw Baria's service and leadership epitomized dedication, skill, and bravery. His untimely demise, along with his crew, was a profound loss to the nation. Their sacrifice in the line of duty remains a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in military aviation and their commitment to the service of India.

  • If you find any information that is incorrect or inappropriate or have additional information about the soldier that can be added to his memorial site, please contact us by using the tab given below.
    click here
No Comments

Post a Comment