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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant development concerning the safety of India’s indigenous helicopters, investigators have pinpointed a rare failure in the transmission system as the cause behind the crash of an Indian Coast Guard’s Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) in Porbandar on January 5. This revelation comes from two officials closely associated with the ongoing investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The ALH, designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was involved in a tragic accident that spotlighted potential vulnerabilities in the helicopter’s transmission system. The crash, which occurred during routine operations, prompted immediate grounding of the entire Dhruv fleet for safety inspections.

The specific part that failed was described as a critical component within the transmission system, responsible for the helicopter’s rotor control. Such failures are rare, highlighting the severity and uniqueness of this incident. The crash resulted in the loss of two pilots and an aircrew diver, underscoring the urgency and importance of the investigation into the cause of the failure.

A panel consisting of experts from various sectors, including HAL, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, has been set up. Their mission is to delve deep into the reasons behind the component’s failure, aiming to prevent future occurrences.

As a precautionary measure, all Dhruv helicopters in service with the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, and other agencies have been grounded until the investigation concludes and necessary modifications are implemented.

The officials have indicated that the panel is expected to submit its report within four weeks, after which corrective measures will be initiated. The incident has sparked a comprehensive review of the Dhruv’s safety and design. The outcome of the investigation could lead to significant changes in the helicopter’s transmission system or broader design modifications.

With the fleet grounded, there’s a notable impact on operational capabilities, particularly for missions that rely heavily on these versatile helicopters, such as search and rescue, medical evacuations, and coastal surveillance.

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