Breaking News: During the flight in the helicopter of UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, the display suddenly stopped and smoke started filling the cockpit. The pilot immediately alerted ATC and made an emergency landing at Lucknow airport – what was this technical fault?
UP Deputy CM Keshav Maurya Helicopter Emergency: Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya’s troubles suddenly increased on Saturday when he faced a technical problem during his helicopter journey. They had left for Kaushambi from Lucknow, but about 15 minutes into the flight, a problem was noticed in the helicopter. It is being told that the helicopter had reached a height of about 2000 feet. Then suddenly his display system stopped and smoke started filling inside the cockpit. This situation was quite serious, so the pilot immediately alerted Lucknow Air Traffic Control or ATC.
What was the reason for the sudden technical fault in the helicopter?
According to preliminary information, there was a sudden malfunction in the helicopter’s display and electronic systems during the flight. Due to this, smoke started filling the cockpit. Flying the plane in such a situation could have been risky, so the pilot took an immediate decision and asked for permission for an emergency landing. At that time the helicopter had reached Bachhrawan area, about 50 kilometers away.
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How did the pilot handle the situation and how was a major accident averted?
As soon as permission was received from Lucknow ATC, the pilot immediately diverted the helicopter back towards Lucknow. Fire brigade and ambulance were already alerted at Lucknow airport to deal with any emergency. The helicopter made a safe landing at around 11:15 am. By that time there was a lot of smoke inside the helicopter. However, it is a matter of relief that all the 6 people including the Deputy CM came out completely safely.
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Who were the people present in the helicopter?
There were a total of 6 people in this helicopter. Apart from Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, there were two pilots, an advisor, a class four employee and a security personnel. Everyone was taken out safely and no one was injured.
Is this the first time or has this problem happened before?
According to the information, this is not the first time that Keshav Maurya’s helicopter has faced a technical fault. Such a situation has happened many times before also.
- 28 February 2022: Emergency landing in Kushinagar due to fuel shortage
- 14 February 2019: Technical glitch on take off during Azamgarh tour
- 30 March 2018: Helicopter had to land in Fursatganj of Rae Bareli
Due to these incidents, questions have been raised regarding helicopter safety.
What happened after the emergency landing?
After the emergency landing, investigation was carried out at the airport for some time. After this, Keshav Maurya left for Kaushambi in another helicopter, where he was to inaugurate the Saras Mahotsav program. This helicopter belonged to the Uttar Pradesh Government, whose responsibility rests with the Civil Aviation Department of the state. The director of the department is Ishan Pratap Singh, who is also Special Secretary to the Chief Minister. This incident in Lucknow has once again intensified the discussion regarding VIP helicopter security and technical investigation. However, due to the alertness of the pilot and timely decisions taken, a major accident was averted and everyone survived safely.