Crash of P/O Palit’s Alouette III in 1964.

Crash of P/O Palit’s Alouette III (114 HU) in 1964. Khardungla Pass (15,000 ft.) is north of Leh airfield. In order to go over the pass, the pilot had to fly along the contours of the hillside, making use of the updrafts (thermals) to gain height. Palit’s engine failed at about 12,500 ft. He spiraled down and tried to find a flat area to land. He hit some boulders and crashed. Thankfully, he and his co-pilot survived.