Two Ex-IAF Pilots and Former Navy Engineer Killed in Helicopter Crash Near Pune

A helicopter crash near Pune on Wednesday morning resulted in the deaths of two former Indian Air Force pilots and a retired Navy engineer, according to police reports. The helicopter, owned by Delhi-based Heritage Aviation, had been chartered by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), as confirmed by Maharashtra unit chief and MP Sunil Tatkare. He mentioned that he had flown in the same helicopter the previous day and was scheduled to use it again on Wednesday.

The helicopter departed from Oxford County Golf Course helipad near Pune, heading towards Juhu in Mumbai, when it crashed at 7:40 am. The crash site was located in a hilly area of Bavdhan, approximately 25 km from Pune city. The victims were identified as pilot Paramjeet Singh, aged 62, co-pilot G K Pillai, aged 57, both retired from the Indian Air Force, and aircraft maintenance engineer Pritam Kumar Bhardwaj, aged 53, who had retired from the Indian Navy.

Helicopter Crash Details

An official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the incident occurred at 7:40 am. The helicopter involved was an Agusta 109 model belonging to Heritage Aviation. After crashing, the helicopter caught fire, prompting local police to dispatch fire tenders and water tankers to the scene. Pimpri Chinchwad Joint Commissioner of Police Shashikant Mahavarkar stated that the helicopter took off around 7:30 am from Oxford County Golf Course helipad.

Initial reports suggest that fog may have contributed to the accident; however, a thorough investigation will determine the exact cause. NCP MP Tatkare expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the incident. The helicopter was hired by our party, and on Tuesday, I had flown in it to Parli in Beed district. Today, I was supposed to fly from Mumbai to Raigad his constituency in the same helicopter."

Investigation Underway

A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has been dispatched to gather evidence from the crash site. A senior AAIB official mentioned that a preliminary report would be released soon. This tragic event follows another helicopter crash on August 24 when a private helicopter traveling from Mumbai to Hyderabad crashed near Pune's Paud area; fortunately, all occupants survived.

The investigation aims to uncover all factors leading to this unfortunate accident. Authorities are committed to ensuring aviation safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.