The final crash investigation report which was published today stated that the Drukair Helicopter crash at Wachey in Lunana that occurred in March last year could have been caused by “terrain impact due to the pilot attempting an abrupt change of its flight manoeuver in a low approach”. The report prepared by the Air Accident Investigation Unit of the Infrastructure and Transport Ministry stated that the pilot has a history of performing aggressive maneuvers at a low approach. In addition, it was found that the company’s flight roster was not followed strictly and replacement was done without a valid reason.
The report found that the pilot involved in the accident operated the flights on that day despite having a senior pilot on active duty on the day of the accident. The pilot involved in the accident was on active duty for 6 consecutive days including the day of the accident according to the report.
It also stated that the pilot experienced emotional distress due to the bad attitude and reluctance of the senior pilot to listen to him. The pilot involved in the accident was acting as an officiating supervisor while the supervisor was on leave. The investigation found that there were no defects with the engine. The air accident killed a mother and a baby girl.
In the final report, the Air Accident Investigation Unit is recommending Drukair Helicopter Services to encourage the pilots and crews to adhere to the roster and refrain from unnecessary change of flight duty without valid reasons.
The unit also suggests that Drukair encourage the voluntary reporting of any safety issues concerning the organisation and working environment.
The recommendation was also made for the Drukair Helicopter Services to strictly monitor the passenger and baggage weights before every departure and strictly adhere to the weight limit. The Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority shall take necessary action in case of non-compliance with the weight limit.
Drukair Helicopter Services is also recommended to create awareness among the ground staff/pilots on the importance of mitigating the unhealthy practice of passengers loading extra weights that are not weighed and manifested.
The unit also recommended that Drukair Helicopter Services assess and comment on the overall flying style of the pilot during the six monthly Operators Proficiency Check and take pre-emptive action in case of unconventional and unsafe maneuvering by the pilots at any time.
Phub Gyem
