An Indian Air Force helicopter engaged in air-dropping relief supplies in flood-affected Bihar was forced to land this afternoon. All four crew members on board, including two officers, were successfully rescued.
The helicopter, which had departed from the Darbhanga Air Force base, made the emergency landing in Naya Gaon, Muzaffarpur, with part of it becoming submerged in rising floodwaters.
Pratyaya Amrit, Principal Secretary of the disaster management department, noted that the pilot’s quick thinking prevented a major accident. When the engine malfunctioned, the pilot directed the helicopter to land in shallow water away from populated areas.
The personnel have been transported to a hospital, and Mr. Amrit mentioned that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) initiated rescue efforts immediately after the incident was reported, with local residents also contributing to the initial rescue.
The helicopter involved was an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)-Dhruv, which serves the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy. Recently, this model faced grounding twice due to technical issues concerning certain parts.
