Despite being widely acknowledged as a versatile, modern helicopter that can perform under tough conditions, in the most difficult terrains, the Dhruv has had a jerky life and is yet to make a mark in the world market.

The ALH has so far found favor in the international market with Nepal and Israel. Chile, which held extensive talks to purchase 24 ALHs for high altitude operation, never closed a deal.

The accident could not have come at a more inopportune time. In October 2004, an ALH sold to Nepal developed snags and landed in a minor crash. The tail rotor blade was identified as the problem. The helicopter was repaired by HAL and sent back a year later. In November 2005, an ALH crash landed near Hyderabad, but its passengers escaped miraculously.

Following this accident HAL grounded all Dhruvs and took a re-look at the helicopter. Again, deficiencies in the tail rotor blade system were identified as its Achilles heel. Several new entrants in the global helicopter market were having teething problems with the tail rotor blades, HAL said at that time.

After Friday’s accident, HAL officials said initial reports indicated that it was not a tail rotor blade problem that caused the deadly crash. Despite the accidents, no decision has yet been taken on grounding the 65-strong Dhruv fleet operated by the armed forces. In fact, HAL plans to roll out 75 more Dhruvs by 2009.