Defence forces halt HAL Dhruv fleet operations

New Delhi: In the wake of the accident off the Mumbai coast two days ago, the defence forces have halted the operations of the HAL Dhruv helicopters. Decision to wait for investigators to find the reason for the incident and conducting precautionary checks has been taken by defence authorities.

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

All 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 ANI.

The HAL Dhruv choppers are used in multiple roles by the Indian defence forces including transportation of men and material. It has become one of the important parts of helicopter missions.

Defence officials said they were hopeful of resuming the HAL Dhruv operations very soon.
During the incident, two days back, an Indian Navy HAL Dhruv on a routine flying mission off Mumbai coast experienced a sudden loss of power and rapid loss of height.

The Navy stated that the pilot carried out controlled ditching over water and all three aircrews exited the helicopter safely and were recovered as part of a swift rescue operation.

The ditched helicopter had deployed its emergency flotation gear and efforts are underway to salvage it.