Major Abhijai Thapa was an officer of the Indian Army who served with the Corps of Engineers and was associated with 39 (Independent) Recce and Observation Flight. He also served as an Army Aviation pilot. His responsibilities included flying operational sorties and supporting the Army’s aviation requirements.
On 1 October 2014, Major Thapa was nominated as the captain of an aircraft undertaking an operational-readiness consolidation sortie connected with Operation Iron Fist. The flight was intended to support the induction of aviators into the operational area and their preparation for demanding operational conditions. During the sortie, the helicopter was flying over Bhartol village and the lines of 54 Engineer Regiment in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh.
The aircraft suddenly suffered a catastrophic failure of its tail rotor. Major Thapa recognised the seriousness of the situation and promptly communicated the emergency to air traffic control. He also cut off the engine’s fuel supply to help minimise the consequences of a possible crash. With the helicopter severely damaged and an inhabited area below, he manoeuvred the aircraft away from the village and the military lines.
The helicopter crashed away from the inhabited area, but Major Thapa did not survive. His actions demonstrated exceptional courage and a clear commitment to protecting others during a life-threatening emergency. In recognition of his bravery and self-sacrifice, the Government of India awarded Major Abhijai Thapa the Shaurya Chakra posthumously in 2015.