Indian Air Force Group Captain Navin Maranatha Nayar, VM (Gallantry), died in Pune on November 10, 2026, while still serving. He was 52. Known for his flying in the Siachen sector, he was particularly remembered for bringing a Cheetah helicopter down safely after an engine failure at an altitude exceeding 18,500 feet.
Service in the Indian Air Force
Born on September 9, 1974, Nayar was commissioned into the Flying (Pilot) branch of the Indian Air Force on June 29, 1996, as part of the 157 Course. His Service Number was 24035. He was promoted to Wing Commander on June 29, 2009, and to Group Captain on June 29, 2022.
His career included service with the 114 Helicopter Unit, known as the Siachen Pioneers. Based at Leh, the unit supports Indian Army deployments in the Siachen Glacier region under Operation Meghdoot. Nayar joined it in July 2001 as a Flight Lieutenant.
For his skill and professionalism in life-threatening emergencies, he received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), awarded by the President of India. Two engine-failure incidents were among the episodes associated with his record in the unit.
Emergency landings in the Siachen sector
On February 16, 2002, Nayar landed a Cheetah helicopter at Leh airfield after an engine failure. The aircraft was brought down safely, with only minor damage to its landing gear oleos.
A more demanding emergency occurred on August 24, 2003, during an air maintenance mission between Base Camp and the high-altitude helipads of Amar and Sonam. On a shuttle flight from Khanda to Sonam, the Cheetah’s engine failed as the helicopter climbed beyond 18,500 feet.
At such heights, reduced air density and limited engine performance make helicopter operations especially demanding. The surrounding terrain was uneven and crevasse-prone, with few suitable options for an emergency landing.
Nayar entered autorotation, a manoeuvre that allows a helicopter to descend without engine power by using airflow to keep the rotor turning. He identified a narrow foot track as a possible landing site, transmitted a Mayday distress call and guided the aircraft towards it. The landing was successful, and both pilots were uninjured.
The landing at more than 18,500 feet was described as exceptionally rare. His gallantry award citation praised his flying skills, courage and professionalism, and said his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.
Tributes and legacy
The emergency landing became an example of airmanship for helicopter crews in the Siachen region. Fellow aviators recalled Nayar’s technical expertise, calm decision-making and control during emergencies. Accounts shared by serving and retired officers also refer to other successful engine-out landings in his career, including incidents involving a fixed-wing trainer and a Chetak helicopter, when he was serving as the second pilot.
Following news of his death, fellow aviators and veterans of the 114 Helicopter Unit paid tribute to him as a legendary figure among the Siachen Pioneers. Colleagues remembered him as a highly skilled pilot whose courage and professionalism inspired generations of military aviators.
The cause of Nayar’s death and details of his funeral arrangements have not been officially disclosed in the available accounts.
