Following the crash of one of the Dhruvs in October 2009, Ecuador reportedly considered returning their six helicopters to HAL amid claims of being unfit for service;
[84] EAF commander Genl.
Rodrigo Bohorquez stated
"If it is a major problem that can't be easily remedied, we would have to return [the Dhruv]." HAL assisted the crash investigation, which found the cause to be pilot error.
[85] In February 2011, the EAF were reported to be satisfied with the Dhruv's performance and was considering further orders.
[86] By October 2015, a total of four Ecuadorian Dhruvs had crashed reportedly due to mechanical equipment and Ecuador grounded the type.
[87] In October 2015 Ecuador cancelled the contract and withdrew the surviving helicopters from service, non-delivery of parts and high accident rate were cited.
[88] In 2016, the Ecuadorian Minister of Defence
Ricardo Patiño announced that the remainder of the HAL Dhruv helicopters of the Ecuadorian Air Force, which are stored at the
Guayaquil Air Base are for sale and that the Air Force is looking for potential buyers.