Corporal Vijay Kumar was serving with Indian Naval Air Squadron 315 when he made the supreme sacrifice on 1 October 2002.
INAS 315, known as the “Winged Stallions”, was established for maritime reconnaissance operations and operated the Ilyushin-38 aircraft from INS Hansa in Goa.
The squadron was marking its 25th anniversary on 1 October 2002. A ceremonial flypast involving two IL-38 maritime reconnaissance aircraft was organised as part of the anniversary programme.
During the flypast near Dabolim, the two aircraft collided in mid-air. Both aircraft subsequently crashed.
Corporal Vijay Kumar was one of the naval personnel aboard the aircraft involved in the accident. He made the supreme sacrifice along with the other members of the two crews.
The tragedy claimed the lives of all 12 naval personnel aboard the two aircraft. Three civilians on the ground also lost their lives in the accident.
The loss occurred on the very day that INAS 315 was completing 25 years of service, turning a major milestone in the squadron's history into a day of remembrance.
Corporal Vijay Kumar's name remains recorded among the 12 Indian Navy personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the Dabolim tragedy.
The Honour Post honours his service and remembers his supreme sacrifice.
