Owing to the accident off the Mumbai coast two days ago, the defence forces have halted the operations of the ALH Dhruv helicopters till the time the reason behind the technical failure is revealed by the investigators.
"The operations have been halted till the time investigators find out the reason for the incident off the Mumbai coast and precautionary checks are carried out," defence forces' officials told reporters, as per media reports
"HAL had already initiated steps and will closely work with the customers to ensure that the Helicopters fleet is fully operational," HAL officials added.
The Mumbai Coast Incident
On March 8, an Indian Navy Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which was on a routine sortie with three personnel on board, had to make an emergency landing off the Mumbai coast.
The crew was rescued by a naval patrol aircraft, said the official.
“Indian Navy ALH on a routine sortie off Mumbai ditched close to the coast. Immediate search and rescue ensured the safe recovery of the crew of 3 by a naval patrol craft,” the official said.
It has been reported that during the incident, the Indian Navy ALH chopper experienced a sudden loss of power and rapid loss of height.
According to the naval officers, the pilot carried out controlled ditching over water and all three aircrews exited the helicopter safely and were recovered.
The ditched helicopter had deployed its emergency flotation gear and efforts are underway to salvage it.
In naval terminologies,“ditching” refers to an emergency landing on water.
What are the ALH choppers?
The ALH choppers are find multiple usages and are cery frequently operated by all three defence forces including the Army, Navy, and Air Force alongside Indian Coast Guard.
The ALH Dhruv choppers are used in multiple roles by the Indian defence forces including transportation of men and material.The ALH Dhruv has become one of the important parts of helicopter missions undertaken by all three forces involved n different terrains they are deployed.
Defence officials said they were hopeful of resuming the ALH Dhruv operations very soon.
