Guwahati, Feb 15: The Indian Air Force's (IAF) microlight helicopter crashed in Assam's Majuli district on Thursday, leading to the death of two pilots on board. The accident, reports said, occurred at 1:30 pm. The wrecked chopper was found in Sumoima Chapori - the sand island off the banks of Brahmaputra.

The deceased pilots have been identified as Wing Commander J James and Wing Commander D Vats.

"An Indian Air Force Microlight Virus SW-80 crashed around 1200 hrs today, after getting airborne from Air Force Station Jorhat, for a routine sortie," the statement issued by Defence Ministry was quoted as saying by PTI.

The ill-fated helicopter had taken off from Rowriah airport in Assam's Jorhat district earlier in the day. The chopper was heading towards Arunachal Pradesh, report claimed.

Manjuli district police officials confirmed the death of the two pilots. The IAF officials rushed to Sumoima Chapori after the crash was reported. An inquiry would be conducted to ascertain the cause of the crash, authorities informed.

A technical snag is suspected to be the reason for the crash, an official added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2018 05:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).