Corporal George Mcaai was serving with Indian Naval Air Squadron 315 when he made the supreme sacrifice on 1 October 2002.
INAS 315 was the Indian Navy's long-range maritime reconnaissance squadron operating the Ilyushin-38 aircraft from INS Hansa, Goa.
On 1 October 2002, the squadron was marking its silver jubilee. Two Ilyushin-38 aircraft were taking part in a ceremonial flypast near Dabolim as part of the celebrations.
During the formation flypast, the two aircraft collided in mid-air. Both aircraft crashed near Dabolim.
Corporal George Mcaai was among the naval personnel aboard the aircraft involved in the accident. He made the supreme sacrifice along with the other members of the two crews.
All 12 naval personnel aboard the two aircraft lost their lives in the tragedy. The accident also claimed the lives of civilians on the ground.
The collision transformed the squadron's 25th anniversary into a day of remembrance. INAS 315 subsequently established a memorial and observes 1 October as its Remembrance Day in honour of the 12 personnel lost in the tragedy.
Corporal George Mcaai's name remains preserved among those 12 naval personnel who made the supreme sacrifice on 1 October 2002.
The Honour Post honours his service and pays tribute to his supreme sacrifice.
