Pune: A major aviation lapse was narrowly averted on Saturday after a helicopter carrying senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chhagan Bhujbal mistakenly landed in a parking area instead of the designated helipad in Pune district, triggering panic among security personnel and onlookers.
Bhujbal's office said the Minister is safe. "There is no need to panic."
Pilot error suspected as helicopter lands at wrong site
Bhujbal was travelling from Nashik to Khanvadi in Purandar tehsil to attend an event marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and other ministers were also scheduled to attend.
A helipad had been prepared for VVIP arrivals. However, the pilot reportedly mistook an open space in a car parking area for the landing site. The parking zone was relatively empty at the time, which likely contributed to the confusion.
Despite this, the manoeuvre carried significant risk, with the helicopter's spinning rotors posing potential danger to nearby vehicles and structures.
Passengers unharmed; helicopter moved to designated helipad
The helicopter landed safely despite the navigational error. Bhujbal and other passengers were unharmed. After the Minister disembarked, the aircraft was moved to the designated helipad.
Speaking to IANS, Bhujbal said, "There is no cause for worry."
Inquiry ordered into lapse
Bhujbal's office has taken serious note of the incident. Security agencies have launched a formal inquiry to determine whether the error was due to a technical fault or human lapse.
"It is a grave concern that such a mistake occurred. We are awaiting the final report from the aviation authorities regarding the pilot's conduct," a security official said.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny following a recent aviation scare involving NCP leader Ajit Pawar on January 28. Former NCP president and DCM Ajit Pawar died after his plane crashed in Baramati.
Attention is now focused on possible action against the pilot over the breach of safety protocol.