2-Aug-2011 Source: HeliHub.com
While operator Pawan Hans has now restarted operations in the North Eastern Indian states of Tripura and Sikkim, the State of Meghalaya continues to block the company from flying within its boundaries. The cessation of flying started after the operator suffered two fatal accidents within a fortnight earlier this year to allow a period of time to assess the situation and ensure safety. Pawan Hans has committed to multi-engined helicopters on public operations, and while one high profile accident was an AS350B3, there was another to a Mi-171 which killed 18.
The State of Meghalaya has decided to put helicopter operations out to tender.
Pawan Hans’ service was introduced in Meghalaya in March 1988, but later suspended after they found it financially unviable. The government re-introduced the helicopter service in 1999 with the home ministry agreeing to provide 50% subsidy for the service. The state government contributed another 25% subsidy
See also accident reports
Jeremy Parkin, HeliHub.com
