New Delhi, May 4 (IANS): In the first official condolence of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu's death in a chopper crash, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Wednesday said he was "a great son of India", dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in his state.

"I am deeply pained to receive confirmation of the tragic and untimely demise of a great son of India and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Dorjee Khandu," Krishna said in a statement.

"He was dedicated to the cause of improving the quality of lives of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. In his death, the state and country have lost a visionary administrator and an excellent human being."

Krishna conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Khandu's family.

The chopper carrying the chief minister, two pilots and three passengers on board went missing Saturday. Its wreckage was found Wednesday near the Jang waterfalls in Tawang district of Arunachal, exactly 96 hours after it lost contact with ground.

All five on board, including Khandu, are feared dead.

Home Minister P. Chidambaram had earlier said the site of the crash had been located in Lobotang area of the state and an army team was trekking to the site.