{"id":296410,"date":"2024-05-21T19:00:30","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T13:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=296410"},"modified":"2024-05-21T19:22:08","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T13:52:08","slug":"helicopter-crashes-explained-pointwise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/helicopter-crashes-explained-pointwise\/","title":{"rendered":"VIP Helicopter Crashes- Reasons and Guidelines- Explained Pointwise"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/span>. 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.<\/p>\n

\"Helicopter
Source- Indian Express<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Table of Content<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What have been the famous helicopter crashes?<\/a>
\nWhat are the reasons behind helicopter crash in India?<\/a>
\nWhat are the consequences and Impact of Helicopter crashes?<\/a>
\nWhat measures have been taken in India to avoid crashes?<\/a>
\nWhat should be the Way Forward?<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>What have been the famous helicopter crashes?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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-<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
January 2024- Former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera<\/strong><\/td>\nFormer Chilean President Sebastian Pinera<\/span> died from drowning after a helicopter crash in a lake<\/span> in the south of the country on February 6, 2024.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 2021- CDS General Bipin Rawat<\/strong><\/td>\nIndia\u2019s top most defence official, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat<\/span>, his wife, and twelve other defence officials died in a chopper crash near Tamil Nadu\u2019s Coonoor on December 8, 2021.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
April 2011- Arunachal Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu<\/strong><\/td>\nArunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu died in a helicopter crash on April 30, 2011<\/span>. He was found dead in Luguthang, near the China border.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
September 2009- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Y S Reddy<\/strong><\/td>\nAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy<\/span> was found dead after a helicopter went missing on 3 September 2009. The senior Congress leader, popularly known as YSR<\/span>, was flying a Bell 430 to Chitoor district<\/span> in Andhra Pradesh.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
March 2005- Haryana cabinet ministers, O P Jindal & Surendra Singh<\/strong><\/td>\nO P Jindal, Haryana’s then-power minister, a noted industrialist, and state agriculture minister Surendra Singh were killed when the chopper carrying them developed a technical snag<\/span> and went down near Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh on March 31, 2005.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
March 2002- TDP leader, G M C Balayogi<\/strong><\/td>\nLok Sabha Speaker and Telugu Desam leader GMC Balayogi died in a chopper crash<\/span> on March 3, 2002, in Andhra Pradesh. An official probe revealed that the crash occurred due to poor visibility<\/span>, when the pilot mistakenly landed on a pond thinking it was a land surface<\/span>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
September 2001- Congress leader, Madhavrao Scindia<\/strong><\/td>\nMadhavrao Scindia, a senior Congress leader, and a former union cabinet minister, was killed in a Cessna aircraft crash on September 30, 2001<\/span>, while travelling to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh to address a public rally.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
August 1988- President of Pakistan, Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq<\/strong><\/td>\nPresident of Pakistan, Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq died in a plane crash<\/span> on 17th August 1988.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
June 1987: Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rashid Karami<\/strong><\/td>\nPrime Minister of Lebanon, Rashid Karami was killed on June 1, 1987, when a bomb exploded aboard a military helicopter.<\/span> The Interior Minister Abdullah Rassi and three of the other 12 aides and crewmen on the aircraft were injured in the incident.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>What are the reasons behind helicopter crash in India?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Unsafe and harsh weather conditions-<\/strong> Thick fog, high speed wind and heavy rainfall endanger the helicopter flight and landing safety. For ex-\u00a0<\/strong>The helicopter accident of CDS Bipin Rawat was a result of unexpected change in weather conditions<\/span>, which resulted in pilot\u2019s spatial disorientation and subsequent crash.<\/p>\n

2. Misjudgements induced by optical illusions- <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

3. Tweaking with the GPS system-\u00a0<\/strong>GPS had improved the navigation in poor visibility conditions. Military aircrafts in order to avoid enemy interception or identification<\/span> have started tweaking with the GPS System<\/span>. This has increased the vulnerability of helicopter flights to fatal accidents.<\/p>\n

\"Helicopter
Source- The Hindu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Violation of rules of flight safety-<\/strong> Pilots have been indulging in violation of safety rules set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and airlines.<\/p>\n

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

6. Mechanical Failure-<\/strong> Mechanical issues, such as engine failure<\/span>, rotor malfunction<\/span>, and other critical component failures, have also led to helicopter crashes.<\/p>\n

<\/a>What are the consequences and Impact of Helicopter crashes?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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

2. Economic Impact-<\/strong> Crashes can lead to substantial financial losses including the cost of the helicopter, legal liabilities, and compensations.<\/p>\n

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

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

<\/a>What measures have been taken in India to avoid crashes?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

DGCA Guidelines for flying VIP Choppers-\u00a0<\/strong>New safety rules have been put in place for VIP operation of planes and helicopters<\/span> to avoid mishaps like the one which killed former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy.<\/p>\n

1. New definition of VIP Flight-<\/strong> The new rule says that a VIP flight would mean having amongst the passengers any one of the eight categories of dignitaries<\/span>. 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.<\/p>\n

2. Strict adherence to weather advisories<\/strong>– 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”.<\/p>\n

3. Pilot experience requirement-<\/strong> 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<\/span>. They should also have at least 10 hours of night flying experience.<\/p>\n

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

5. Aircraft maintenance and repairs-<\/strong> The aircraft should be fitted with all suitable equipments needed for instrument flying<\/span> and pilots should hold valid instrument ratings.<\/p>\n

6. Review of SOPs-<\/strong> 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<\/span> like dense forests<\/span>, hilly areas<\/span> and large water bodies<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The DGCA, India’s civil aviation regulatory body, has established comprehensive regulations for helicopter operations<\/span>. These include requirements for airworthiness<\/span>, operational safety<\/span>, and pilot licensing<\/span>. The DGCA conducts regular safety audits of helicopter operators to ensure compliance with safety standards<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Technological Advancements<\/strong><\/td>\nTerrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS)-<\/strong> The DGCA mandates the installation of TAWS in helicopters to prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accidents<\/span>.
\nHelicopter Flight Data Monitoring (HFDM)-<\/strong> HFDM systems are used to continuously monitor and analyse flight data, helping to identify and rectify potential safety issues proactively<\/span>.
\nWeather Monitoring Systems-<\/strong> Advanced weather monitoring and forecasting tools are used to avoid adverse weather conditions that could lead to crashes<\/span>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pilot Training and Certification<\/strong><\/td>\nComprehensive Training Programs-<\/strong> Pilots undergo rigorous training programs, including simulation training<\/span>, to handle various in-flight scenarios and emergencies.
\nRegular Re-certification-<\/strong> Pilots are required to undergo regular re-certification to ensure their skills and knowledge are up-to-date<\/span> with the latest safety protocols and technologies.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Operational Guidelines<\/strong><\/td>\nStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs)-<\/strong>\u00a0Operators must develop and adhere to SOPs for various phases of flight<\/span>, including takeoff, cruising, and landing.
\nPre-Flight Inspections-<\/strong>\u00a0Comprehensive pre-flight inspections are mandatory to ensure the helicopter is in optimal condition<\/span> before each flight.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>What should be the Way Forward?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Accountability on the part of helicopter operators-<\/span><\/strong> Kaushik Committee reports of 1991 and 2005<\/span> called for more accountability on the part of aircraft operators. This has to be followed in letter and spirit.<\/p>\n

2. Advanced Weather Monitoring-<\/strong> The focus must be to improve weather monitoring and forecasting tools to avoid flying in adverse conditions.<\/p>\n

3. Technological Innovations-<\/strong> The Implementation of better navigational aids<\/span>, crash-resistant fuel systems<\/span>, and enhanced communication tools<\/span>, will also help in averting these crashes.<\/p>\n

4. Regulatory Oversight-<\/strong> Stronger regulations and oversight by aviation authorities will ensure compliance with safety standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read More- The Hindu<\/a>
\nUPSC Syllabus- GS 2- Government Policies and intervention<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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… Continue reading VIP Helicopter Crashes- Reasons and Guidelines- Explained Pointwise<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10357,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[130,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-296410","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-7-pm","category-uncategorized","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","views":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/296410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10357"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=296410"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/296410\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=296410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=296410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=296410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}