An ALH Dhruv chopper of the Indian Coast Guard crashed in Porbandar, Gujarat, killing 3. Inquiry launched; past incidents raise safety concerns.
An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) operated by the Indian Coast Guard crashed in Gujarat’s Porbandar, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives, according to sources. The helicopter caught fire after the crash, which occurred in an open field. The cause of the crash is currently unknown, and an official inquiry has been initiated.
The incident took place during a routine sortie at the Air Enclave of the Indian Coast Guard. Alongside the fatalities, several individuals sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at a local civil hospital.
The ALH Dhruv, a multi-role helicopter extensively used by the Indian Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard, has faced safety concerns in recent years. In September, another ALH MK-III helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea off Porbandar, leading to the loss of three crew members. The pilot’s body was recovered a month later after an extensive search.
The September crash occurred during an evacuation mission for an injured man aboard the motor tanker Hari Leela, located 30 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast.
Two years ago, safety audits of the ALH Dhruv fleet revealed flaws in design and metallurgy. These issues led to grounding operations temporarily until technical checks and audits were completed. In 2023, over 325 ALH Dhruv helicopters underwent rigorous safety checks following multiple incidents.
The Indian Coast Guard plays a vital role in maritime law enforcement and search and rescue operations across India’s territorial waters. However, recurring issues with the ALH Dhruv raise significant concerns about operational safety.
Further updates on the Porbandar crash and the identities of the victims are awaited as investigations continue.