Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to decide by Saturday on the clearance of the grounded Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv fleet. This follows a recent crash involving an Indian Coast Guard ALH Dhruv in Porbandar, which tragically resulted in the loss of three personnel.
In response to the incident, HAL grounded all 330 helicopters in the fleet and initiated a thorough investigation. The flight data recorder from the crashed helicopter has been recovered and is undergoing extensive analysis to determine the root cause. Additionally, HAL is reviewing past maintenance protocols and exploring potential vulnerabilities in the fleet’s design and components.
An external review by a Netherlands-based certification agency affirmed the soundness of the ALH Dhruv’s design. Despite this clearance, HAL has taken additional steps to ensure the fleet’s airworthiness, forming a committee headed by retired Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, former chief of the Indian Air Force Maintenance Command.
The committee has proposed several improvements to enhance maintenance practices for ALH Dhruvs, especially those operated by the Indian Coast Guard. These recommendations are currently being implemented. HAL has also made critical upgrades to the helicopters, including the signing of a five-year performance-based logistics agreement with the Indian Coast Guard to ensure long-term maintenance support for the fleet.
The ALH Dhruv is a versatile, multi-role helicopter developed by HAL, serving various branches of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. It is designed to perform in diverse conditions, from high altitudes to sea-level operations.
The decision on whether to resume operations of the ALH Dhruv fleet will be based on the findings of the ongoing investigation and the implementation of recommended safety measures. HAL’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of its aircraft remains paramount as it addresses the concerns arising from the recent incident.
