Probe into YSR chopper crash to be over by Nov-end: Patel

Enquiry into the helicopter crash in which Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajashekhara Reddy was killed will be completed by this month end, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel informed the Lok Sabha today.

"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 during the Question Hour.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation are looking into the crash.

Replying to a supplementary, 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."

As far as flying operations are concerned, he said, strict monitoring by the DGCA as per the rules and regulations are in place and they are appropriate.

On whether there was a proposal to have satellite phone in all helicopters to ensure better communication in difficult weather, Patel said, "This will be only an additional tool. All flying helicopters or planes are monitored by radars and other communication devices."

He also informed the House that the feasibility of tracking of helicopters during flight is in preliminary stage of evaluation.

To a question whether the government has looked into the reasons behind some recent helicopter accidents, Patel said "all accidents are investigated in accordance with the Aircraft Rules, 1937" and that "action will be taken on the recommendations emanating from the investigations to prevent future accidents".

He also said the DGCA has notified important guidelines for VIPs flying and that these need to be adhered to.