Fatal Accident (3) – Indian Coast Guard HAL Dhruv Mk 3, CG 859, Porbandar Airport (PBD/VAPR), Gujarat, India, January 05, 2025
OFFICIAL PRELIMINARY REPORT: Report Not Available Yet
OFFICIAL FINAL REPORT: Report Not Available Yet
SOURCE Report:
On Sunday, January 5, 2025, at approximately 12:15 PM local time, an Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv Mk 3, registered as CG859, crashed during a routine training sortie at Porbandar Airport (PBD/VAPR) in Gujarat, India. The helicopter, based at the Porbandar Coast Guard Air Enclave, was attempting to land when it encountered technical difficulties and crashed near the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, which was subsequently brought under control by emergency responders using a fire tender. Despite efforts to rescue the crew, all three occupants, including two pilots and one aircrew diver, perished as a result of severe burns sustained in the crash.
The incident occurred as the helicopter was returning from its training sortie and attempting to land. Witnesses reported the aircraft caught fire immediately following the crash, leading to extensive damage and the eventual destruction of the helicopter. Emergency teams swiftly transported the crew members to the Government Hospital in Porbandar, but they were declared deceased upon arrival. Officials confirmed that the crash did not affect other airport operations, and no additional injuries were reported on the ground.
Local authorities, including Porbandar Superintendent of Police Bhagirathsinh Jadeja, stated that an investigation into the cause of the crash has been initiated. The Indian Coast Guard released an official statement confirming the incident and announced that a Board of Inquiry will investigate the reasons leading to the mishap. The investigation is expected to examine factors such as mechanical failure, environmental conditions, and operational protocols to determine the root cause of the crash.
This tragic incident comes just four months after another Coast Guard ALH MK-III helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea off Porbandar on September 2, 2024, resulting in three fatalities. That crash similarly involved the loss of all crew members, raising questions about the safety and reliability of the ALH Dhruv Mk 3 fleet. Authorities emphasized that aviation safety remains a priority and that findings from this latest investigation will be used to prevent future occurrences.
The loss of the crew highlights the risks involved in routine training operations, particularly for military and rescue aircraft that operate under demanding conditions. The Indian Coast Guard expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel through ongoing evaluations of its fleet and operational procedures.
Aircraft Operator:
Indian Coast Guard
Video:
https://x.com/ArmedUpdat1947/status/1875840658638049737
https://x.com/Veeresh82426335/status/1875862862071226495
Accident Location:
Porbandar Airport (PBD/VAPR), Gujarat, India
21°38’56.38″N 69°39’33.58″E (https://g.co/kgs/fgLbJAD)
ASN:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/469815
FAA/International Registration:
CG 859
Year of Manufacture:
unkn.
SN/Military Registration/BUNO:
unkn.
NTSB:
n/a
Facebook:
n/a
X/Twitter (reports+videos):
https://x.com/ArmedUpdat1947/status/1875840658638049737
https://x.com/Veeresh82426335/status/1875862862071226495
ADS-B Exchange:
n/a
FlightAware:
n/a
flightradar24:
n/a
AirNav.radar:
n/a
National Report(s):
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coast-guard-chopper-crashes-in-gujarats-porbandar-3-dead-sources-7403835
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/coast-guard-helicopter-crashes-in-gujarat-during-training-sortie-report-101736063511488.html
Image Reference(s):
https://defenceexim.gov.in/WriteReadData/AbovehorizonsIndustry.pdf
https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/4wly4k/article69065616.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PTI01_05_2025_000082B.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nitinmnair/51287522485/in/photostream/lightbox/
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