Chandigarh, Aug 18 (UNI) A joint team of Dogra Scouts and Indian Air Force recovered parts of the AN-12 BL-534 aircraft which went missing over Rohtang Pass on February 7, 1968.
According to a defence wing release, the team recovered parts of the AN-12 aircraft like the Aero Engine, Fuselage, Electric Circuits, Propeller, Fuel Tank Unit, Air Brake assembly and a Cockpit Door as well as personal belongings of some passengers who were onboard AN-12 BL-534 aircraft, after 13 days of rigorous search and recovery operation at an altitude of 5240 meters in Dhaka Glacier. The search area, including location of recoveries, have been mapped for future reference.
An expedition of Dogra Scouts was launched on July 26 this year to Dhaka Glacier under the aegis of Headquarter Western Command with an aim to recover the mortal remains of soldiers who were onboard AN-12 BL-534 Aircraft, which went missing over Rohtang Pass on February 7, 1968.
The expedition was joined by team of Indian Air Force on August six to augment the search and identification efforts. The glacier had high levels of snow accumulation due to old avalanches, precipitous gradients, avalanche prone slopes and open crevasses along the course which made movement of the team extremely difficult and energy sapping.
UNI DB SHK1731