Jolt to indigenous efforts.

Dhruv crash 3rd incident in two months.

In the latest accident, the Army said the pilots had reported a technical fault to the ATC and proceeded for a precautionary landing.

  * Due to uneven ground, undergrowth and unprepared landing area, the helicopter apparently made a hard landing.

  * A technician on board the chopper died and the two pilots were injured.

Other ALH accidents

08 Mar

During a routine sortie off Bombay, Navy's ALH crashed close to the coast. Three personnel had to make an emergency landing and they were rescued by a naval patrol aircraft.

Reason.

As per the Indian Navy, the ALH experienced a sudden loss of power and rapid loss of height.

26 Mar

ALH Dhruv Mk 3 belonging to the Indian Coast Guard made a forced landing at Kochi in Kerala during a training sortie. Three personnel were on board in which one suffered minor injuries. The reason for the accident is yet to be established.

Last Thursday's incident is the 3rd in 2 months and comes as a jolt to the Indian chopper manufacturing industry.

My take

The cause needs to be identified and corrective action taken as early as possible.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Went to the Devaswom Office and had come to know that the PRO was on leave.

To the temple in the evening, by a half past 5, and sent Mahesh and his family for the special darshan after a word with the Manager. Met Susheelakutty and her husband; they were on a weeklong bhajana at the temple.

The entire lot of ALH Dhruv with the armed forces was grounded after the 08 Mar Naval chopper accident off the coast of Bombay.