Kerala: Coast Guard chopper encounters rough weather; makes precautionary landing

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NEW DELHI: A Coast Guard helicopter on a routine coastal patrol made a precautionary landing at a college ground in Kerala on Thursday after encountering rough weather, the defence release said according to news agency PTI.
The Chetak helicopter was returning from patrol when it faced turbulent conditions. As a safety measure, the crew landed at the football field of St. Gregorios Dental College in Chelad, near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district, the release said.
The Chetak helicopter is a light utility helicopter used extensively by the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. It is a licensed version of the French Aérospatiale Alouette III, produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) since the 1960s.
Known for its versatility and reliability, the Chetak is primarily used for search and rescue (SAR), coastal surveillance, casualty evacuation, training, and light transport operations. Its ability to operate in diverse environments, including sea, deserts, and high-altitude regions, makes it a valuable asset across India's military services.
Although the Chetak is a proven workhorse, it is gradually being phased out as newer, more advanced helicopters like the HAL Dhruv and foreign acquisitions enter service.
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However, the Chetak remains active in many operational roles due to its agility, simple maintenance, and dependable performance. It is particularly favoured for short-range maritime patrols and coastal security missions, such as the one where it recently made a precautionary landing in Kerala due to rough weather.

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