An indigenous Dhruv superior mild helicopters (ALH) of Indian Navy made an emergency touchdown in Arabian sea off Mumbai coast on Wednesday. Navy spokesperson mentioned that the chopper was on a routine sortie off Mumbai when it ditched near coast, prompting a direct search and rescue operation.
All three crew members on board Dhruv helicopter have been rescued by naval patrol craft and an inquiry has been ordered to probe the incident, the spokesperson added.
“Indian Navy ALH on a routine sortie off Mumbai ditched near the coast. Fast Search and Rescue ensured protected restoration of crew of three by naval patrol craft. An inquiry to analyze the incident has been ordered,” the spokesperson mentioned in a tweet.
“Ditching” refers to an emergency touchdown on water.
Indian Navy later knowledgeable that the Dhruv helicopter skilled a sudden lack of energy and speedy lack of top throughout the routine sortie off Mumbai. The pilot carried out managed ditching over water, with all three crew members exiting the helicopter safely. They have been recovered as a part of a swift rescue operation, reported ANI.
ALH Dhruv is a twin engine, multi-role, multi-mission new era helicopter within the 5.5 ton weight class, and is “sort –Licensed” for Navy operations by the Centre for Navy Airworthiness Certification (CEMILAC).
(Additional particulars awaited…)