November 2012 - Indian Airforce

On 30 Apr 12, Flt Lt AK Upadhyay (30849 G) Adm/ ATC and 700939 R Sgt Anil Kumar
AFSO were on duty in ATC tower. During the period of their duty, a four helicopter
Mi-17 formation was airborne for an SHBO mission. On the return leg the leader of the
formation announced on RT that his No. 2 was experiencing rise in MGB temperature with
oil pressure dropping below laid down limits and that his No. 2 would be carrying out a
precautionary landing. The DATCO immediately asked for their GPS coordinates. Without
losing time, he plotted the GPS coordinates on the map. During this period, the IC Ops
alerted all concerned individuals/agencies. The captain of the helicopter was contacted
on his mobile to check the safety of the crew. They were further guided to the nearest
town/village. A minute to minute update on the crew was provided to all concerned. This
ensured a quick activation of the agencies involved with the post accident plan.
Flt Lt AK Upadhyay and Sgt Anil Kumar displayed a high degree of situational
awareness and professionalism in dealing with this emergency.
Good Show Flt Lt AK Upadhyay and Sgt Anil Kumar.
(R Marwaha)
Air Cmde
PDAS
On 29 Aug 11, Sqn Ldr GPS Brar (28714 G) F(P) and Flt Lt M Rana (29251 K) F(P) were
authorised to fly an RTR mission in an AVRO ac. During pre flight inspection for this
mission, Sqn Ldr GPS Brar and Flt Lt M Rana noticed a small paint scratch resembling a
crack on the port wing between engine nacelle and the fuselage. On investigation, a
one inch crack was found on the upper surface of the wing. A detailed investigation,
subsequently revealed a crack on the supporting stringer as well and few loose rivets.
Sqn Ldr GPS Brar and Flt Lt M Rana displayed a keen sense of observation and a high
degree of professionalism in detecting a crack which might have led to a catastrophic
disaster.
Good Show Sqn Ldr GPS Brar and Flt Lt M Rana.
(R Marwaha)
Air Cmde
PDAS
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Aerospace Safety N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2
INDIAN AIR FORCE