An Indian Army HAL Dhruv crashed in Kishtwar after a technical malfunction. A technician died and two other crew members were seriously injured. The helicopter was destroyed.
“As per inputs, the pilots had reported a technical fault to the air traffic controller and proceeded for a precautionary landing. Due to the undulating ground, undergrowth, and unprepared landing area, the helicopter apparently made a hard landing,” a statement issued by the Northern Command headquarters said. Photographs and videos of the crash showed mangled remains of a completely destroyed helicopter. Officials added that the three on board were evacuated to the Udhampur Command hospital by Army rescue teams, but technician Pabballa Anil died from injuries sustained.
The wreckage of the helicopter was found on the banks of the river, said Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Khalil Ahmad Poswal.
The Advanced Light Helicopter crashed days after the ALH fleet resumed flights following a safety audit.
The audit that cleared the indigenous ALHs included thorough checks on all systems. The entire fleet was grounded for nearly a month after successive crashes of a Coast Guard and Navy variant of the helicopter.
There were no casualties when the Coast Guard and Navy variants crashed in quick succession in March.
A court of inquiry has been ordered.
