An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark III of Indian Coast Guard crashed at Cochin International Airport on Sunday noon, while it was on a flying sortie.
The three personnel onboard escaped with minor injuries. Possible loss to life and property was averted since the ALH was hovering at a low altitude, it is learnt.
The Coast Guard has an air enclave at the airport. The crash occurred at 12.25 p.m., following which airport operations were temporarily suspended for two hours. The ALH was removed from the airport’s operational area around 2 p.m., following which the runway was cleared and flights resumed service after a safety inspection. The first flight AI 831 from New Delhi landed at 2.28 p.m.
A flight from Oman that was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram is expected to fly back to Kochi.
Coast Guard sources said the ALH got airborne for inflight checks after fitment of control rods. Prior to this, personnel of HAL and ICG carried out extensive ground trials on the day.
Immediately after takeoff, when the ALH was at about 30-40 ft above ground, the cyclic controls (which control longitudinal and lateral movement of aircraft) did not respond.
Showing exemplary professionalism and presence of mind, the pilot with bare minimum controls manoeuvred the aircraft away from the main runway to avoid blocking the runway at the international airport.
He then cushioned the landing to the extent possible in order to save the personnel onboard. The aircraft veered to the left and crashed on the left side of the main runway.
All crew is safe, while the aircraft sustained damage to its rotors and airframe. The Indian Coast Guard has ordered an Inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident, they added.
Published - March 26, 2023 02:25 pm IST
