Helicopter Tragedy in Pune: Two Pilots and Engineer Lose Lives in Crash

Helicopter Crashes in Pune's Bavdhan; 2 Pilots, Engineer Killed

By HT News Desk
Oct 02, 2024 10:26 AM IST

A tragic helicopter crash occurred in Pune’s Bavdhan area on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of three people on board. The crash took place in hilly terrain around 6:45 am, shortly after the helicopter took off from a nearby golf course's helipad. The crash caused a significant fire, and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Three Lives Lost in Fiery Helicopter Crash

The helicopter, carrying two pilots and an engineer, met with a catastrophic fate after it lost control shortly after takeoff. The two pilots, Paramjit Singh and G K Pillai, along with the engineer, Pritam Bharadwaj, were confirmed dead at the site. The helicopter belonged to Heritage Aviation and had a registration number of VT EVV. It was reportedly chartered by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and was en route to Mumbai at the time of the crash.

Eyewitness Account of the Scene

Chief fire officer Devendra Prabhakar Potphode shared details of the crash, explaining that when emergency responders arrived at the site, the helicopter wreckage was scattered across the area, with smouldering fire and debris covering the terrain. "We managed to recover the bodies of the three casualties, which were then handed over to the police for further investigation," Potphode added. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, though preliminary information suggests dense fog may have contributed to the mishap.

Helicopter Belonged to Heritage Aviation

The crashed helicopter was owned by Heritage Aviation, a private aviation company with operations based in Pune. The helicopter had been chartered for a trip to Mumbai, where it was scheduled to transport NCP chief Sunil Tatkare for an official visit to Raigad. The loss of the crew has left the aviation company and their families in mourning, while investigations are underway to determine the technical or environmental factors that led to the accident.

Dense Fog and Weather Conditions May Have Played a Role

While the official cause of the crash is yet to be determined, officials have speculated that low visibility and dense fog could have been significant contributing factors. Weather conditions in Pune have been unpredictable in recent days, with a dense fog blanketing much of the region in the early hours. The challenging terrain in the Bavdhan area, combined with reduced visibility, may have hindered the pilots' ability to navigate the helicopter safely.

Helicopter Crashes in Pune: A Growing Concern

This is not the first helicopter crash in Pune in recent months. In August, a private helicopter flying from Mumbai to Hyderabad crashed in Pune's Paud village. While all four occupants survived that crash, it highlights an ongoing concern regarding aviation safety in the region. The hilly and rugged terrain surrounding Pune, combined with the often unpredictable weather conditions, presents unique challenges for pilots flying in and out of the area.

Pictures and Videos Show Wreckage

Images and videos circulating on social media show the wreckage of the helicopter engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site. These visuals have sparked an outpouring of grief and concern among citizens, with many questioning the safety protocols surrounding helicopter operations in such regions.

Multiple Agencies Respond to the Crash

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) responded quickly, dispatching four fire tankers to the crash site. The fire department was able to control the blaze after several hours, ensuring that no further damage was caused to the surrounding area. In addition to local emergency services, the aviation ministry has also ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, with an expert panel set to analyze both the wreckage and flight data to uncover any technical failures that might have contributed to the crash.

NCP Chief Expresses Shock Over the Tragedy

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sunil Tatkare expressed his shock and sadness following the crash, stating that he had been scheduled to travel on the helicopter later that day. “This is a heartbreaking loss, and I send my deepest condolences to the families of the brave pilots and engineer who tragically lost their lives in this accident,” Tatkare said in an official statement. The NCP has also pledged to assist the families of the deceased in any way possible during this difficult time.

Aviation Safety Experts Weigh In

Aviation safety experts have noted that helicopter crashes, while relatively rare, can often be attributed to a combination of environmental and technical factors. They have called for stricter regulations and enhanced pilot training, especially for navigating challenging terrains like that of Pune’s hilly regions. “Pilots need to be well-prepared for low visibility and challenging weather conditions in these areas. It’s also crucial that helicopters are equipped with the latest navigation technology to help prevent such tragedies,” said one expert.