'YSR chopper crash probe to be over by Nov end'

New Delhi, Nov 26: Aviation Minister Praful Patel has announced that enquiry into the helicopter crash in which Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajashekhara Reddy was killed will be completed by this Nov 2009 end.

Speaking during the question hour in Lok Sabha, Patel said, "As per the preliminary findings it was due to bad weather and issues connected with weather. I cannot comment on it as enquiry is on. It is likely to be completed by the end of this month."

Patel said the helicopter was well maintained and the pilots were very experienced. "But when you are flying Visual Flight Range (VFR) helicopter, pilots should have foreseen the weather," he added.

He further said, "As far as flying operations are concerned, strict monitoring by the DGCA as per the rules and regulations are in place and they are appropriate. Similarly the safety norms are on par with the best in the international standard."

OneIndia News