SOURCE: AFI
In the wake of a recent accident involving a Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH Mk-III), the Indian Coast Guard has ordered a one-time safety inspection of its entire ALH fleet. The focus of the inspection will be on the flying controls and transmission system. As a precautionary measure, the fleet has been temporarily grounded.
The accident occurred near Porbandar, Gujarat, when the Dhruv helicopter (Tail Number CG 863) plunged nose-down into the Arabian Sea. Initial investigations revealed that the helicopter, which belonged to the Coast Guard’s Porbandar-based 835 Squadron, experienced a critical failure in its flying control system.
The Dhruv fleet has faced a history of safety concerns, with multiple groundings last year due to design issues. A specific issue related to the collective control rod and other critical components had been identified as a potential hazard. These rods are essential for pilots to control the helicopter’s motion, and any failure can lead to severe consequences.
To address this safety issue, the Coast Guard has replaced the collective control rod and the other two rods (lateral and longitudinal) on all military ALHs. The new rods are made of steel, providing enhanced strength and reliability compared to the previous aluminum components.
The one-time safety inspection is a proactive step taken by the Coast Guard to ensure the safety and operational readiness of its ALH fleet. Once the inspections are completed and any necessary corrective actions are taken, the fleet is expected to resume operations.