Presidential Copter Lands Without ATC Clearance, Exposing Grave Security Lapses

Strategic Insights -

A recent report by an expert committee has revealed a distressing near-miss incident between a Presidential helicopter and an Air India plane at Mumbai. The committee, led by Director General Civil Aviation S N A Zaidi, found that the Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper of the VVIP entourage landed on the runway without clearance from Air Traffic Control, narrowly avoiding a collision with the Delhi-bound Air India Airbus A-320 that was given clearance to take off. The plane, carrying 155 people, was forced to abort its take-off and swerve to a taxi track to avoid collision, resulting in damage to its main wheel tyre and brakes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indian Air Force helicopter of the VVIP entourage landed on the runway without clearance from Air Traffic Control, posing a significant risk to the Air India plane.
  • The Air India Airbus A-320 was traveling at a high speed of approximately 120 knots when it rejected take-off and swerved to a taxi track to avoid collision.
  • The plane's main wheel tyre and brakes were damaged in the process, causing significant damage to the aircraft.
  • The committee has recommended closure of airspace three minutes before and after the take-off and landing of a VVIP aircraft at an airport to prevent such incidents.
  • The panel also emphasized the need for strict adherence to instructions in the Bluebook, which outlines VVIP security procedures.

Specifically, the report highlights the following critical security lapses:

  • Failure of Air Traffic Control to provide clearance for the Presidential helicopter to land, leading to a near-miss incident.
  • Inadequate adherence to VVIP security procedures, as outlined in the Bluebook.
  • Insufficient training and preparedness of air traffic controllers to handle VVIP flights.

Statistics:

  • The Air India Airbus A-320 was carrying 155 passengers when the incident occurred.
  • The plane was traveling at an approximate speed of 120 knots when it rejected take-off.
  • The committee has recommended closure of airspace three minutes before and after the take-off and landing of a VVIP aircraft at an airport.

Sources:

  • PTI (Press Trust of India), "Experts committee finds IAF chopper landed without ATC clearance," September 2, 2009.