'Dhruv choppers to fly only after checks'

The IAF is carrying out checks on its fleet of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) 'Dhruv' helicopters in wake of a crash last month in which seven of its personnel were killed and the choppers will resume flying after the inspection, informed sources said.

They said that the inquiry team which probed the accident had, in its preliminary report, called for certain checks and inspections which were being carried out.

"The helicopters are expected to resume flying soon," an official told IANS. An Indian Air Force ALH had crashed July 25 in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur district, killing all seven people on board including two pilots.