Pilot grounded as car mechanics "repair" helicopter

A recent incident of two car mechanics "repairing" a private helicopter, which flew from Goa to Pune via Kolhapur on October 12, has landed the helicopter's pilot in serious trouble with aviation regulator, the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA has grounded the pilot.

When contacted, a senior DGCA official said: "The incident was reported to our Mumbai office and we received information and pictures of the pilot's Kolhapur stopover. We suspect that the mechanics had done something to the engine."

Terming the incident as "shocking", the official added that a detailed probe is being launched. Also in the limelight is the chairman of Varva Aviation, Avinash Bhosale, who was travelling in the helicopter that day. An investigation has been ordered by the DGCA to find out why car mechanics instead of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) were allegedly allowed to "repair" the helicopter.

OInly qualified AMEs are allowed to inspect and repair aircraft or chopper engines. DGCA officials said that although the pilot didn't report any snag in the technical report before taking off from Kolhapur, they suspect that the mechanics were called to "repair" the helicopter. The officials added that they have received pictures of two mechanics posing with the engine of the aircraft.

"If this happened, it is a complete violation of rules and appropriate action will be taken," said the official.