Gujarat News: An Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv tragically crashed on Sunday in Porbandar, Gujarat, during a routine training mission, resulting in the loss of all three crew members on board. The incident took place at the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Porbandar, raising serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the helicopter fleet.Investigation UnderwayThe Indian Coast Guard has initiated an investigation into the crash, as officials confirmed that the helicopter encountered technical difficulties prior to the incident. Three crew members were killed in the incident, stated a police official, highlighting the severity of the situation. The Coast Guard is currently gathering information to determine the exact cause of the crash, with further details expected to emerge soon.๐จ TRAGIC NEWS! Helicopter of Indian Coast Guard ALH Dhruv &#39crashed&#39 in Porbandar, Gujarat during a routine training sortie.3 crew members DEAD. Om Shanti ๐ pic.twitter.com/gGipoA26Km— Megh Updates ๐จ™ (@MeghUpdates) January 5, 2025Safety Upgrades and Previous IncidentsThis tragic event occurs at a critical juncture for the Indian Coast Guard, as a significant safety upgrade for the ALH fleet was recently completed. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had implemented these upgrades following a series of accidents last year that raised questions about the design and airworthiness of the Dhruv helicopters.The upgraded control systems are anticipated to enhance flight safety and reliability.The Dhruv fleet has faced ongoing scrutiny due to persistent design issues, which led to multiple groundings throughout the previous year. These concerns have prompted heightened vigilance regarding their operational safety.Recent History of CrashesThis incident is not isolated it follows another crash involving a Dhruv helicopter in September 2024. During that event, an ALH Mk-III crashed into the Arabian Sea near Porbandar while on a medical evacuation mission. In response to that accident, the Coast Guard ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of its ALH fleet, focusing specifically on flying controls and transmission systems. Currently, 16 ALHs are operational within the Coast Guard, all designed and manufactured by HAL.Notable Rescue OperationsDespite these challenges, the ALH helicopters have played crucial roles in various rescue operations. For instance, one helicopter was instrumental in saving 67 lives during recent floods in Gujarat. The Indian Coast Guard ALH was launched for medical evacuation in response to an emergency aboard a tanker, noted a Coast Guard statement following that operation.As investigations continue into this latest crash, it highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety within India&#39s military and paramilitary forces.
