President chopper hits shed after pilot says no to ‘follow-me’ jeep

President Pratibha Patil had a narrow escape today when the rotor blades of an IAF Mi-17 helicopter in which she was travelling hit an abandoned shed at Bhubaneswar airport while taxiing on the runway after landing.
The Indian Express has learnt that the pilot of the helicopter refused the assistance of a “follow-me” vehicle to guide it to the apron. Sources said the pilot decided to rely on ground marshals instead of the “follow-me” vehicle. The helicopter landed in Bhubaneswar after Patil visited Puri and Konark.
“While taxiing, the rotors touched a building in proximity to the apron. No one was injured. We have ordered a court of inquiry,” a senior IAF officer said. This is the second incident this year involving an IAF helicopter carrying the President — there was a near-miss at the Mumbai airport in February.
The incident occurred despite a full rehearsal at the airport by the IAF two days ago — this included “wing tip” measurements to ensure there would be no obstruction. The President was accompanied by husbandDevisingh Shekhawat, Orissa Governor M C Bhandare, her ADC, Military Secretary and physicians.
10/12/09 Debabrata Mohanty/Manu Pubby /Indian Express

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Dec 2009, Safety Dec 2009