DGCA begins probe into chopper crash

New Delhi, Sep 3 (PTI) The Directorate General of Civil
Aviation (DGCA) has begun a probe into the chopper crash which
claimed the lives of Chief Minister of India's southern state
of Andhra Pradesh Y S Rajashekhar Reddy and four others.

"DGCA has begun comprehensive investigations into the
crash to find out the causes. But preliminary reports say that
the helicopter may have run into bad weather," Indian Civil
Aviation Minister Praful Patel told reporters here.

Expressing grief at the death of Reddy and others, he
said the Chief Minister was "a wonderful human being and the
country has lost a great leader."

He said the twin-engined Bell-430 aircraft had
airworthiness certifications valid till December next year
while the two pilots, who also died, were certified and had
long experience in helicopter operations.

"There was no indication of a snag or shortcoming through
out the flight," the Minister said, adding that the ill-fated
chopper had a weather radar and was technically capable of
flying in "blind conditions" as well.

However, since the chopper was operating under Visual
Flight Rules (VFR) instead of being instrument-guided, "it is
for the pilot to take a decision," Patel said, adding it was
for the inquiry to take a final view on the matter. (More) PTI
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