Forces Halt Operations Of ‘Dhruv’ Chopper After Emergency Landing Incident

The submerged Dhruv helicopter had deployed its emergency flotation gear.

New Delhi:

In the wake of the accident off the Mumbai coast two days ago, the defense forces have suspended the operation of ALH Dhruv helicopters till the time the investigators find the cause of the incident and conduct a precautionary check.

ALH helicopters are operated by all three defense forces including the Army, Navy and Air Force along with the Indian Coast Guard.

Defense forces officials told ANI, “The operation has been put on hold until the investigators ascertain the cause of the incident off the Mumbai coast and conduct a precautionary probe.”

ALH Dhruv helicopters are used by the Indian Defense Forces in a number of roles including transport of men and material.

HAL officials told ANI, “HAL has already taken steps and will work closely with the customers to ensure that the helicopter fleet is fully operational.”

ALH Dhruv has become one of the important parts of the helicopter missions undertaken by the three forces which are deployed in different areas.

Defense officials said they are hopeful of resuming the ALH Dhruv mission soon.

During the incident, two days back, an Indian Navy ALH Dhruv on a routine flying mission from Mumbai experienced sudden power loss and rapid altitude loss.

The Navy said the pilot controlled the ditch above the water and all three airmen ejected safely from the helicopter and were recovered as part of a quick rescue operation.

The downed helicopter had deployed its emergency flotation gear and efforts are on to rescue it.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)