The Dhruv Helicopters of the Indian Army's Aviation unit have been grounded with effect from November 25, 2005 as a precautionary measure after one chopper crashed near Hyderabad, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee informed the Rajya Sabha.
"This was done as a precautionary measure after Dhruv helicopter J-4054 belonging to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited crashed due to the loss of Tail Rotor Control near Siripuram, 150 kms from Hyderabad," he said in a written reply.
Mukherjee said the accident was investigated by a Board of Inquiry ordered by the HAL and based on its recommendations, it was decided to carry out evaluation flights on selected Dhruv helicopters by experimental test pilots of the HAL and army Aviation under the aegis of HAL.
Two Army Aviation Dhruv helicopters Z-1110 and Z-1116 were flown for 31.30 and 30.45 hours respectively for these evaluation flights, he said.
Based on the report of these flights, Mukherjee said the Regional Centre of Military Airworthiness has laid down several modifications/rectifications to be incorporated by the HAL.
The modifications and rectifications include stiffening of the Tail Boom attachment, installation of Tail Rotor Monitoring Unit, stiffening of vertical Fin front spar, modification of Flight Data Recorder, Tai Gear Box housing modification and New Tail Rotor blades to be subjected to qualification testing before installation, he said.
Text: PTI ; Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
