A sailor of the Indian Navy died on Saturday in an accident involving a helicopter at a naval base in Kochi.

Yogendra Singh, who was a leading airman, died when the helicopter met with the accident while taxiing at INS Garuda of the Southern Naval Command, officials said.

Yadav hailed from Madhya Pradesh. The deceased was a Leading Air Mechanic (LAM).

"A Chetak helicopter met with a ground accident today during maintenance taxi checks at INS Garuda, Kochi, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life of one ground crew," the Navy said in a brief statement.

While initially it was believed to be a crash, officials later clarified it was a mechanical failure.

It said a 'Board of Inquiry" has been ordered to investigate the cause of accident.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and all personnel of Indian Navy mourned the loss of life and pay tribute to Yogendra Singh, the Navy said.

"Adm R Hari Kumar #CNS (chief of naval staff) & all personnel of #IndianNavy mourn the loss of life & pay tribute to Yogendra Singh, LAM who lost his life in the unfortunate accident at Kochi and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," the Navy Spokesperson said on X.