VIP Helicopter Crashes- Reasons and Guidelines- Explained Pointwise

On May 19, 2024, the fatal crash of a Bell 212 helicopter, flying the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, and Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, has drawn our attention towards helicopter crashes. The fatal crash of the Iranian president’s helicopter is the latest in a series of helicopter crashes involving politicians and other high-ranking officials, over the past several decades.

What have been the famous helicopter crashes?

Helicopter crashes have resulted in the death of major personalities, both globally and in India. Mentioned below is the list of famous personalities who died in the helicopter accidents-

What are the reasons behind helicopter crash in India?

1. Unsafe and harsh weather conditions- Thick fog, high speed wind and heavy rainfall endanger the helicopter flight and landing safety. For ex- The helicopter accident of CDS Bipin Rawat was a result of unexpected change in weather conditions, which resulted in pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent crash.

2. Misjudgements induced by optical illusions- The visual and depth perception produced in fog and heavy rain, creates optical illusions. Several accidents have been caused due to misjudgements induced by these optical illusions.

3. Tweaking with the GPS system- GPS had improved the navigation in poor visibility conditions. Military aircrafts in order to avoid enemy interception or identification have started tweaking with the GPS System. This has increased the vulnerability of helicopter flights to fatal accidents.

4. Violation of rules of flight safety- Pilots have been indulging in violation of safety rules set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and airlines.

5. Pressure by the owners- There have been reported instances of crashes where the pilots have been arm-twisted into flying in dangerous weather conditions. For ex- There have been reported cases of undue pressure on the crew to fly despite bad weather conditions.

6. Mechanical Failure- Mechanical issues, such as engine failure, rotor malfunction, and other critical component failures, have also led to helicopter crashes.

What are the consequences and Impact of Helicopter crashes?

1. Fatalities- Helicopter crashes often result in significant fatalities of the most prominent politicians and leaders. For ex- Death of Iranian President, which carries the risk of domestic turmoil.

2. Economic Impact- Crashes can lead to substantial financial losses including the cost of the helicopter, legal liabilities, and compensations.

3. Environmental Damage- The Brazilian Rainforest Crash (2017) not only resulted in human casualties but also caused environmental damage due to fuel spillage and wreckage debris, affecting the pristine ecosystem.

4. Trauma and Psychological damage- Survivors of helicopter crashes often experience long-term psychological trauma, which includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For ex- Survivors of the 2009 Hudson River helicopter crash required extensive psychological support.

What measures have been taken in India to avoid crashes?

DGCA Guidelines for flying VIP Choppers- New safety rules have been put in place for VIP operation of planes and helicopters to avoid mishaps like the one which killed former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy.

1. New definition of VIP Flight- The new rule says that a VIP flight would mean having amongst the passengers any one of the eight categories of dignitaries. The categories include the Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Justice of India, 1Governors, Chief Ministers, State Cabinet Ministers and the SPG protectees who enjoy ‘Z-plus’ category security.

2. Strict adherence to weather advisories– No flight would be allowed to be operated when “weather conditions are not conducive to safe operations”, and every VIP flight would be operated with “a multiple crew composition”.

3. Pilot experience requirement- For helicopter pilots, the commander should possess licenses, with 2,000 hours of flying experience including 500 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) on the same aircraft type. They should also have at least 10 hours of night flying experience.

4. Registration of State aviation PSUs- Aviation departments of state governments or aviation divisions of PSUs need to apply to the DGCA for undertaking aircraft operations with a fee of Rs one lakh. State departments and PSUs, would also have to apply to the DGCA for importing of planes or helicopters. The granted permits which would be renewable every two years depending on fulfilment of all necessary conditions.

5. Aircraft maintenance and repairs- The aircraft should be fitted with all suitable equipments needed for instrument flying and pilots should hold valid instrument ratings.

6. Review of SOPs- Helicopter operators of state governments and public sector units need to review their Standard Operating Procedures on various issues. These include VIP sorties over difficult terrains like dense forests, hilly areas and large water bodies.

The DGCA, India’s civil aviation regulatory body, has established comprehensive regulations for helicopter operations. These include requirements for airworthiness, operational safety, and pilot licensing. The DGCA conducts regular safety audits of helicopter operators to ensure compliance with safety standards.

What should be the Way Forward?

1. Accountability on the part of helicopter operators- Kaushik Committee reports of 1991 and 2005 called for more accountability on the part of aircraft operators. This has to be followed in letter and spirit.

2. Advanced Weather Monitoring- The focus must be to improve weather monitoring and forecasting tools to avoid flying in adverse conditions.

3. Technological Innovations- The Implementation of better navigational aids, crash-resistant fuel systems, and enhanced communication tools, will also help in averting these crashes.

4. Regulatory Oversight- Stronger regulations and oversight by aviation authorities will ensure compliance with safety standards.