In a deadly accident on June 28, a brand-new Pawan Hans Sikorsky helicopter carrying nine persons fell into the Arabian Sea about 50 nautical miles off the coast of Mumbai. Four persons, including three Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) personnel, lost their lives in the tragedy. It so happened that the aircraft was one of Pawan Hans’ six Sikorsky S-76D helicopters that he had recently leased from Milestone Aviation Group.
According to company representatives, the event happened barely 4-5 minutes before the chopper arrived at its target, ONGC’s Sagar Kiran rig.
One nautical mile from Sagar Kiran, the helicopter crashed at roughly 11.45 a.m. Nevertheless, it avoided sinking and was able to stay afloat thanks to the attached floaters, which assisted rescuers in removing all nine people—including two pilots—after ONGC and the navy/coast guard launched one of the swiftest rescue operations in the western offshore.
According to an official, four people were unconscious when rescued and had to be airlifted in a navy helicopter to a Mumbai hospital, where they died.
ONGC had hired helicopter service from Pawan Hans to support its oil and gas exploration and production operations in the western offshore. Three of the deceased were employees of ONGC. A fourth victim was employed by an ONGC contractor.
Although the cause of this tragedy has not yet been determined, there was bad weather and a surf in the western offshore. The ONGC has reportedly opened an investigation to investigate into the situation, according to officials. A separate investigation may also be requested by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
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