Precautionary landings of helicopters VT-PHY on due bad weather.

On 03 May 2018, at 1055 hours helicopter VT-PHY carried out a precautionary landing at Ravulapalem (16 45.549 N, 082 50.030 E), On a radial of 178 at a distance of 21 Nautical Miles from Rajahmundry (RJM 178/21 NM) on its return to Rajahmundry Airfield (VORY) from a ONGC offshore crew Change sortie. As per the onboard weather radar all around Rajahmundry Airfield, Yanam Reliance base and Surasini Yanam Helibase was covered with bad weather. The crew were negotiating bad weather en-route took timely action to land immediately at suitable nearest place to avoid bad weather conditions. The pilots had filed Visual Flight Rules flight plan for a Crew Change sortie to an Offshore floater platform named Aban Abraham, located on Rajahmundry VOR (RJM) On. A radial of 147 – at a distance of 56 NM at on continued the flight under Visual Flight Rules. Before and after executing the precautionary landing Rajahmundry ATC, ONGC Helibase at Kakinada and Cairn Energy Helibase at Surasini Yanam were communicated on Aero VHF and Land Line respectively.

Due to the close proximity of hilly areas to the Airfield, a quick weather development was observed which was not forecasted by the Met Office. Sudden down draft as well as updraft was experienced due to turbulence. Adequate height margin was maintained from terrain throughout.

Keeping the safety of the helicopter and its occupants in mind, the pilots decided to abort the mission and carryout safe precautionary landing due to deteriorating weather.

This precautionary landing was considered desirable in the interest of safety of occupants on board the helicopter.

Captain Allen Lewis & Captain AEN Rao

Brief Analysis by ASMSI

A very good job done by Captain Allen Lewis.We need all the Helicopter pilots to make use of Air Safety Circular 09 of 2013 ,Precautionary Landing Due Weather if they get into adverse weather situation.Never hesitate or be afraid of any questions by DGCA or Operator.DGCA follows no reprisal policy under such acts which are taken in the interest of Safety.

Continue to fly safe.

Aviation Safety India wishes you all Happy ,Safe Flying during Pre Monsoons and Monsoon Season.Many Many Happy Landings.

With Best Wishes,Aviation Safety India.