Move Follows Two Accidents In Two Days

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has temporarily suspended helicopter service in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, which is located near Nepal.

Business Standard reports that the move follows two accidents involving helicopters in two consecutive days. Both aircraft were participating in relief operations in the state, which has been hit by recent flooding.

“Current operations will remain suspended till the time Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Department Authority (UCADA), State Disaster Relief Authority (SDRA), and operators make a standard operation procedure for such operations,” said an order issued by DGCA Arun Kumar.

In one accident Wednesday, a helicopter operated by Heritage Aviation impacted apple cart cables immediately after takeoff. Three people were fatally injured. A second helo operated by Aryan Aviation also hit an apple cart cable and went down, though all on board survived that accident.

The DGCA has asked that state authorities form a database of terrain maps that identify obstacles such as the cables, electric poles, and pylons, which Kumar said "should be maintained by the state disaster relief authorities, and be provided to operators who want to provide service in the state."

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report