CHOPPER-PATEL 3LST

Speculating on the probable reasons for the accident, the
sources said the Bell-340 helicopter carrying the Andhra
Pradesh Chief Minister could have shifted course following
deep cloud formation on its flight path.

In the process, it could have banged into the hillock due
to very poor visibility in the area Wednesday morning with its
fuel tanks exploding on impact, they said, adding that a
comprehensive enquiry would go into all aspects.

The DGCA rules make it mandatory for the non-scheduled
plane and helicopter operators to possess valid airworthiness
certificates for their aircraft, which should be inspected by
licensed aeronautical engineers on a regular basis.

While all defects must be rectified before flights, the
planes or helicopters should be equipped with dual radio
communication, navigation, weather instruments and instrument
landing system localisation equipment, among other things, the
DGCA directives said.

The flight plan should also clearly indicate alternate
airports for landing, these rules said, adding qualification
standards have also been set for the pilots operating the
aircraft. PTI ARC
ANU