IAF resumes flying of Dhruv copters after Sitapur crash
The IAF temporarily suspended ALH operations after manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recommended certain checks, which were carried out. The entire exercise took almost a month.
The Indian Air Force has resumed flying of the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) after completing a fleet inspection following a crash in Uttar Pradesh on July 25.
The IAF temporarily suspended ALH operations after manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recommended certain checks, which were carried out. The entire exercise took almost a month.
IAF sources said the ALH fleet was given the go-ahead to resume operations on Friday. An inspection team checked all the 40 Dhruvs flying with the IAF.
The inspection of the fleet was necessitated by the fact that the crash of an ALH at Sitapur near Lucknow was attributed to technical failure. It was a smooth flight with no adverse weather but things went suddenly wrong for the crew, forcing the pilot to send a distress call.
The helicopter was being flown by an experienced hand, Wing Commander T.B.N Singh, commanding officer of the 111 helicopter unit. The pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash along with five airmen.
It is common to put the entire fleet under inspection after a crash due to technical failure, said officials.
The 111 helicopter unit was the first to induct the Dhruv Mk III, which is the latest version fitted with the more powerful Shakti engine. The added power is an advantage at high altitudes. The helicopter also comes with an improved electronic warfare suite and warning systems and reduced vibration.
The helicopter that crashed in July had been serviced just days before the incident and had flown over 500 hours. A problem with its control systems is suspected to be behind the technical failure though the probe is yet to be concluded. The Dhruv helicopters, which are also used by the army and navy, have been involved in a number of crashes. The army too had stopped flying ALHs after the July 25 crash. A similar inspection of the army's fleet was also being carried out.
The twin-engine ALH has become a key part of air sustenance operations in forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir.