Pune: A combination of human and technical errors, along with environmental factors such as hilly terrains and sudden weather changes resulting in low-visibility conditions present significant challenges for helicopter pilots in Maharashtra, experts have pointed out in the aftermath of the Oct 2 helicopter crash at Bavdhan. They have said these factors are interconnected, making it difficult to address them completely. A senior pilot with a commercial airline said weather conditions are changing drastically due to rapid urbanisation across the country.
"Outside the airfield, factors are very crucial for flying. For instance, bird menace is a concern. You will not find garbage dumping sites outside the Indian Air Force (IAF)-operated airfields.
However, this may not be the case in the private set-ups (helipads). So, pilots will have to deal with these challenges frequently in the future." Choppers should stay grounded in foggy weather, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.
"For safe operations, helicopters require a minimum visibility of 5km for both take-off and landing, which is considered a standard visual flight rule requirement." This caution comes as investigators probe the crash of the twin-engine Agusta 109 VT-EVV chopper that went down minutes after taking off from the Oxford Golf Club helipad, claiming three lives. Sources had said that there was low visibility caused by heavy fog on that day.
Discussing human error, Group Captain Nitin Welde (retir.