Defense forces have grounded the operation of ALH Dhruv helicopters in the wake of the accident off the Mumbai coast two days back. The flying ban on Dhruv helicopters will continue till its investigators ascertain the cause of the chopper crash.
New Delhi: Defense forces have grounded the operation of ALH Dhruv helicopters in the wake of the accident off the Mumbai coast two days back. The grounding of Dhruv helicopters will continue till its investigators ascertain the cause of the helicopter crash. It may be noted that ALH helicopters are operated by all the three defense forces including the Army, Navy and Air Force along with the Indian Coast Guard.
Used in many roles including military personnel and transport
Defense forces officials told sources, “The operation has been put on hold till the cause of the accident which happened two days back on Mumbai coast is ascertained and all kinds of investigations are completed in this matter.” The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv has been developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is used by the Indian Defense Forces in a number of roles including the transport of troop personnel and material.
The company will work closely with the customers
HAL officials told ANI that HAL has already taken steps in this matter and will work closely with the customers to ensure that the operation of the helicopters does not stop. The defense official said that the ALH Dhruv would soon be operational again.
Experienced a sudden power outage
It may be noted that during the incident two days ago, an Indian Navy ALH Dhruv on a routine flying mission from Mumbai experienced a sudden power loss and a rapid loss of altitude. Although the pilot controlled it above the water, all three airmen ejected safely from the helicopter and were rescued as part of a quick rescue operation.
