An aviation tragedy strikes the Indian Coast Guard as a HAL Dhruv helicopter crashes in Porbandar, northwest India, resulting in three fatalities.
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The incident occurred on January 5, 2024, at 12:10 PM local time, during an attempted landing at the Coast Guard airport in Porbandar. The HAL Dhruv helicopter, returning from another mission, faced technical issues that led to the crash. Onboard were three individuals, including two pilots, all of whom were confirmed dead.
History of Issues
The safety of the HAL Dhruv fleet has been under scrutiny in recent years due to recurring incidents. In September 2024, another Dhruv helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea during a medical evacuation mission for a severely injured crew member from the Indian tanker Hari Leela. Following that incident, the Coast Guard implemented specific safety checks focusing on the flight control system, with plans for modernization and improved airworthiness.
However, the issues persist, leading to temporary bans on the use of these helicopters on multiple occasions. Experts and authorities have raised concerns about design flaws that compromise the operational safety of the fleet.
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Official Response
The Indian Coast Guard issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and promising a thorough investigation into the incident. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our air operations and will take necessary measures following the technical analysis of the crash,” a spokesperson said.
Video: X @siyasiritim. Photo: Wikimedia. Source: Hindustan Times. This content was created based on confirmed information and reviewed by the editorial team.