IAF Helicopter Carrying President Murmu Gets Stuck on Wet Helipad in Kerala

October 22, 2025

Pathanamthitta: An alleged security and operational lapse was highlighted on Wednesday when an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu to Sabarimala got its wheels stuck in wet concrete at a temporary helipad near Pramadam.

Officials had to manually push the aircraft out, though top authorities denied any compromise to the President’s security.

Incident Details

The helicopter had landed on a swiftly constructed temporary helipad inside an indoor stadium complex. Reports indicate the concrete had not fully dried, causing the helicopter’s wheels to sink shortly after President Murmu alighted.

Video footage showed around 30 police personnel pushing the chopper out of the wet portion of the helipad, drawing public attention to the mishap.

Kerala DGP Ravada A. Chandrasekhar clarified that the helicopter landed approximately five feet away from the designated landing spot, which was still wet, and there was no breach in security protocol.

Pathanamthitta District Collector Prem Krishnan S. echoed that sentiment.

Reasons Behind the Mishap

Reports suggest the temporary helipad was constructed just 12 hours before the landing. Intelligence agencies had warned that landing on the wet surface could cause the wheels to get stuck and recommended landing slightly away from it. However, the helicopter landed on the wet concrete.

Two landing venues had been prepared for the President: Nilakkal near Sabarimala and the Pramadam indoor stadium. Due to poor weather and fog, the Nilakkal site was deemed unsafe, necessitating the diversion to Pramadam, about 50 km away.

Additionally, there was last-minute confusion over the President’s itinerary. She was initially scheduled to travel by road from Thiruvananthapuram to Pampa (170 km), but plans were changed to the aerial route early Wednesday morning.

Next Steps

Authorities are expected to review the incident and may take action against officials responsible for the inadequate preparation of the helipad. Despite the mishap, the President proceeded with her scheduled visit to Sabarimala without disruption.