Weather not engine trouble floored Faridabad plane

The preliminary report on the plane crash in Faridabad in which 10 people — seven on board the ill-fated aircraft and three on ground — were killed says the engine of the P-12 turboprop aircraft was fine but it was the turbulent weather that led to the tragedy.

The probe into the crash is “independent” and not by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “The government will appoint a committee of inquiry. A working group will be set up to review existing safety norms,” said a civil aviation ministry official.

“A working group has been set up to review existing safety regulatory frame work of general aviation, Non Scheduled Operators (NSOP) holders and air ambulance operations.”

The investigation into the tragedy is the first independent inquiry by India into an air crash. The investigation will try and find out what went wrong with the P-12 turboprop aircraft belonging to the Delhi-based Air Chartered Services India Pvt Limited.

“Strong wind hit the plane and it flipped the plane upside down. Pilot lost control and crashed into Faridabad residential area. Commander of the ill-fated plane reported to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) that he was facing bad weather,’’ said a DGCA official.

Only 60% of the entire aircraft, including part of its fuselage and the tail, have been found, the remaining portion, including the cockpit, has been completely damaged and gutted, he said.