Indian Air Force Grounds Dhruv Chopper Fleet

The Indian Air Force has grounded its fleet of about 40 indigenously-developed Advanced Light Helicopters Dhruv after a recent crash that killed seven personnel, the Press Trust of India reported Monday.

The IAF choppers will not fly until thorough checks are carried out on them, IAF sources told PTI.

The Army, which uses the Advanced Light Helicopters for its high altitude operations is also learnt to have taken similar precautions before allowing its pilots to fly them.

The black box of the ill-fated chopper has been sent to Bangalore for detailed examination.

A Wing Commander, Squadron Leader, Junior Warrant Officer, Sergeant and a leading aircraftman along with two Corporals were killed in the crash in Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh on July 25.