Sarang ALH team resume aerobatic manoevures

Bangalore, Feb 5 (UNI) The Sarang aerobatic team of IAF consisting of three Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter) today took to the skies at the Yelahanka Air Base of IAF for the first time after the February two mishap in which one of the choppers crashed killing a co pilot.

Three Dhruvs of the formation practiced various manoevures for about 15 to 20 minutes at the venue of the Aero India 2007, beginning on February seven.

Sq Ldr Priye Sharma succumbed to severe injuries at the air force command hospital, while lead pilot Wing Commander V. Jetley was still in the hospital under observation for head injuries.

The tragic incident took place at Yelahanka base, about 20km from here, around 10 am, when an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), constituting the Sarang team, crashed while on an exercise over the western part of the runaway with the other three in a formation.

According to eye witnesses in the vicinity, the incident occurred when the ill-fated copter veered off its course while performing a 'scissors' exercise, which involves two aircraft crossing over each other at a close distance from the opposite direction.

The Sarang team, which participates in major air shows held in India and overseas, showcases the prowess of Dhruv, designed, developed and manufactured by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

UNI