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KOCHI: An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III of the Indian Coast Guard based at Kochi crashed during an incident of forced landing which happened in the operational area of the Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) on Sunday.
It was the presence of mind of the pilot that averted a disaster as the Coast Guard said that all the crew were safe. Following the accident, the airport operation had to be suspended temporarily for around 2 hours.
“CG 855, an ALH Mk III based at Kochi got airborne from the Cochin International Airport about 12.25pm for inflight checks after fitment of control rods on aircraft. Prior to the inflight checks, the HAL and ICG Team had carried out extensive and satisfactory ground trials on March 26,” said an official statement.
The Coast Guard said, immediately after take-off, when the helicopter was at about 30 to 40ft above ground, the cyclic controls, which controls 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, thereafter, cushioned the landing to the extent possible in order to save the three people onboard. The aircraft veered to the left and crashed onto the left side of the main runway,” the statement added.
The aircraft has sustained damage to its rotors and airframe. The Coast Guard has ordered an inquiry, to investigate the cause of the accident.
An official with Cial said that the helicopter was removed from the operational area by 2pm. “Only one flight, (Oman Air from Muscat) was diverted in the international sector. At least two flights were delayed. The operations soon resumed and the first flight after the incident landed at around 2.28pm,” the official said.
Meanwhile, at least one among the crew members was given medical attention at a private hospital after the accident.
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