Question : HELICOPTER CRASH IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

(a) whether the electronic control unit of the helicopter Eurocopter V8, operated by Pawan Hans involved in a fatal crash near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh recently, is severely damaged beyond retrieval of recorded data;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the ill-fated helicopter was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder, which is considered a prime safety measure;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Government has initiated action to enforce stricter safety measures for helicopters operated by the civil aviation sector; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS & MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)

(a) and (b): Investigation of the accident is in progress by a Committee of Inquiry set up under Rule 74 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

(c) and (d): Cockpit Voice Recorder was not mandatory in the helicopter as per existing regulations.

(e) and (f): Follow up on the report of the Committee of Inquiry will be taken up after it is accepted by the Government. However, on the basis of preliminary enquiry conducted by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), necessary instructions have been issued to the helicopter operators.