February 2010 - Indian Airforce
February 2010 - Indian Airforce
February 2010 - Indian Airforce
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
equisitioned for transferring him to SMC. Patients with<br />
such injuries should be carried on a flat stretcher, as any<br />
unnecessary movement of the injured back would have<br />
led to spinal injury.<br />
Similar Incident in the Base<br />
During my interaction with the MT Section and other<br />
personnel I came to know that a major accident had<br />
occurred some years ago in the same base involving a<br />
tractor. The COI revealed that the accelerator mechanism<br />
of the tractor had got stuck which led to the tractor<br />
suddenly moving on the tarmac and ultimately damaging<br />
one MiG 21 aircraft. The entire airframe had to be written<br />
off! Thus, there is a past record of tractors getting involved<br />
in accidents on the tarmac.<br />
Lessons Learnt<br />
Vehicles operating on the tarmac must be thoroughly<br />
checked daily so that defective vehicles are not put in use<br />
for tarmac operations.<br />
Operators must know that accidents do happen on<br />
the tarmac and they must remain vigilant to prevent such<br />
accidents.<br />
Such accidents and incidents must be recorded and<br />
disseminated to the users so that at least they are aware<br />
of such mishaps.<br />
First Aid procedures must be taught and practiced<br />
by all personnel working on the tarmac. Wrong First Aid<br />
procedures can further aggravate an injury.<br />
Conclusion<br />
The incident could have happened on any day and<br />
at any time in a flying station. The Unit was lucky not<br />
to have a damaged GPU, a runaway tractor and injured<br />
Air Warrior. The Station was lucky that it did not have to<br />
hold a COI. We were lucky that we did not have to start<br />
the exercise with an actual contingency. Efforts must<br />
be made to compliment the Sgt who saved not only a<br />
human life, but managed to save all the equipment and<br />
the vehicle.<br />
It is my endeavour to spread the awareness amongst<br />
my readers to be alert while working on the tarmac.<br />
You are handling tools and equipment which have the<br />
potential to injure you. Disasters happen without prior<br />
notice. BE ALERT SO THAT YOU DO NOT TRANSFORM<br />
A GIVEN SITUATION IN A DISASTER.<br />
Wg Cdr Indranil Chakraborty (Med) is posted to Air Force<br />
Station Utarlai.<br />
INDIAN AIR FORCE 2 01 0 F e b r u a r y Flight Safety 13
Change language