Did IAF Chopper Carrying Prez Murmu Get Stuck in Wet Helipad?
Synopsis
An IAF helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu faced an unexpected incident when its wheels got trapped in wet concrete at a temporary helipad in Kerala. Despite claims of no security breach, the event has raised eyebrows and called for a review of the protocols in place.
Key Takeaways
IAF helicopter carrying President Murmu got stuck in wet concrete.
Incident occurred at a temporary helipad in Kerala .
Officials denied any security lapse.
Helipad was constructed shortly before the landing.
Review of protocols may follow the incident.
Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Oct 22 (NationPress) A reported security incident emerged on Wednesday when an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter transporting President Droupadi Murmu to Sabarimala became immobilized in wet concrete at a hastily constructed temporary helipad located within an indoor stadium complex nearby. This situation led officials to take action to free the helicopter.
The occurrence took place in Pramadam, Pathanamthitta, shortly after the President disembarked, despite the state’s high-ranking police official asserting that there was no breach of security protocol.
Reports indicate that the helicopter touched down at the temporary helipad built inside the indoor stadium complex in Pramadam, where the concrete had not fully set.
According to reports, the wheels sank into the wet concrete immediately after President Murmu exited the aircraft.
Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Ravada A. Chandrasekhar clarified there was no security breach, stating the helicopter landed about five feet away from the intended landing zone, which was still damp, according to local media.
“The helicopter landed in a wet area, approximately 5 feet from the prior landing site on the temporary helipad. Thus, it could not advance further as the wheels were stuck in the concrete. Subsequently, it was pushed to a safe location for takeoff,” the report quoted the DGP.
Pathanamthitta District Collector Prem Krishnan S. also confirmed that there was no security violation.
Footage that brought this issue to light showed around 30 police personnel assigned to the President’s security pushing the helicopter from the wet segment of the helipad, raising concerns about potential lapses in protocol.
The President continued her planned visit to the hill shrine following the incident.
Reports suggest that the temporary concrete helipad was constructed only 12 hours prior to the scheduled landing. State intelligence agencies had reportedly raised concerns about the risk of the wheels becoming stuck due to the wet surface and recommended landing approximately five feet away from the wet area, but the helicopter ultimately landed on the wet concrete.
Official sources noted that two landing sites had been prepared for the President’s visit—one at Nilakkal near Sabarimala and another at the Pramadam indoor stadium. The helicopter was unable to land at Nilakkal due to inclement weather and fog, leading to a diversion to Pramadam, about 50 km away.
Media reports have also indicated confusion regarding the President’s itinerary. Initially, it was planned for her to travel by road from Thiruvananthapuram to Pampa, a distance of about 170 km, but early Wednesday morning, the plan was altered to the aerial route.
Authorities are set to review the incident, with potential action against officials responsible for the inadequate preparation of the helipad anticipated.
Point of View
The incident involving the IAF helicopter and President Murmu underscores the need for stringent adherence to security protocols during high-profile visits. While officials have denied any lapse, the situation raises significant concerns about preparedness and planning, which must be addressed to maintain public trust and ensure safety.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with President Murmu's helicopter?
The helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu became stuck in wet concrete at a temporary helipad in Kerala shortly after she disembarked.
Was there a security breach during the incident?
Officials, including the DGP, have stated that there was no security breach, attributing the situation to the helicopter landing slightly away from the designated spot.
What was the condition of the helipad?
The temporary helipad was built just 12 hours prior to the landing, and reports indicate that the concrete surface was not fully dry.
How did officials respond to the situation?
Around 30 police personnel were deployed to push the helicopter out of the wet portion of the helipad, ensuring its safe relocation for takeoff.
What are the implications of this incident?
The incident raises questions about the adequacy of preparations for high-profile visits and may lead to a review and potential action against those responsible.
