Indian Air Force's Chinook CH-47F Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing in Punjab's Sangrur Village

Defense News ,India :- In a recent incident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Chinook CH-47F(I) helicopter executed an emergency landing in Dhadrian village of Sangrur district on a Sunday morning due to a technical snag. The helicopter is part of the 126 Helicopter Unit, also known as 'Featherweights,' based in Chandigarh. This marks the first emergency landing of this helicopter in India since its induction into the IAF in March 2019.

IAF officials assured that both the crew and the helicopter were unharmed, and a technical team was dispatched to the landing site to carry out necessary repairs.

Initial reports had suggested an emergency landing in Barnala district, but the Barnala Deputy Commissioner clarified that it occurred in Dhadrian village in Sangrur district.

It's worth noting that in July 2022, the US Army grounded its CH-47 Chinook helicopters due to incidents of engine fires. However, after resolving the issues, the fleet was cleared for operational flying.

When the US Army grounded its Chinooks, the IAF sought details of the technical problems but did not ground any Chinooks during that period.

The CH-47 F(I) Chinook is a versatile multi-mission tandem rotor helicopter designed for heavy payload deliveries at high altitudes, making it ideal for operations in the challenging Himalayan region. The helicopter, part of the modernization effort for the IAF's helicopter fleet, has been customized to meet the force's future requirements and capability roadmap.

Under a contract signed in September 2015 with M/s Boeing Ltd, the IAF acquired 15 Chinook helicopters. These helicopters are equipped with advanced features, including a fully integrated digital cockpit management system, advanced cargo handling capabilities, and an electronic warfare suite.

Boeing completed the delivery of 15 CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters to the Indian Air Force in 2020. One squadron is based in Chandigarh, primarily serving operational needs in Ladakh for the Army, while another squadron is stationed in Mohanbari in Assam.