Aviation firms in trouble over CM Fadnavis copter mishaps

Mumbai: In the wake of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis surviving a third helicopter-related accident in three months, in Alibaug, on Friday, the state government has served notices to two aviation companies — Aloft and Adonis — asking them to explain why the chief minister had been given faulty aircraft.

The former firm had provided the faulty helicopter to the CM in the recent incident.

The two firms were empanelled in May to provide helicopters and aircraft to VIPs. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also sought a report from the state in light of these incidents.

Sources in the state government said that the general administration department (aviation) had summoned Aloft and Adonis to Mantralaya on Tuesday for an inquiry. “It is a very serious matter. Faulty helicopters were provided to the CM, which is a breach of security. The government will be asking them for explanation. Also, the DGCA has sought a report from the state as to why the CM’s security was compromised thrice while flying,” an official said on condition of anonymity.  

The Asian Age was the first to report that the Bel 230 helicopter that was to be used by the CM on Friday was the same one in which he experienced his previous air mishap, in Gadchiroli on May 13 when the craft’s engine failed. The helicopter is 22-years-old and was bought from the Uttar Pradesh government by a private company.

Prior to this, on May 26, Mr Fadnavis’ helicopter, a Sikorsky (VT-CMM), crash-landed in Latur.

In Friday’s incident, the helicopter had started advancing suddenly due to strong winds and the funnel effect. While the pilot tried to use the brakes, he failed to bring the aircraft under control. As were many people around, the pilot had no option but to take off. It was immediately grounded afterwards. The CM was standing to the left of the helicopter when it had started moving. He immediately moved away to a safe distance.  

Presently, the helicopter in question is with UY Aviation Private Limited. It was manufactured in 1995 and first bought by a Canada-based company.

The state-owned fleet consists of four crafts — a Citation Excel plane and a Dauphin helicopter, which are grounded, as they are due for inspection, the Sirkosky helicopter that met with the accident in Latur, and a Beechcraft Super King Air 350, which is in working condition.

 CM’s 3 close shaves

May 13: An engine of the CM’s Bel 230 helicopter failed in Naxal-hit Gadchiroli.
May 26: Mr Fadnavis’ helicopter, a Sikorsky, (VT-CMM), met with an accident in Latur. The rotor blades got entangled in electric cables.
July 7: The same helicopter started moving on its own and couldn’t be stopped by brakes in Alibaug.