Karachi: Authorities from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have announced that the Bureau of Safety Investigation (BASI) will conduct an investigation into the helicopter crash involving a Mari Gas Company aircraft that made an emergency landing in North Waziristan on Friday.
According to CAA officials, the helicopter departed Islamabad at 11:15 AM, headed for Shawa, Waziristan. It took off again at 1:15 PM with new passengers from Shawa to Bannu.
Due to engine failure, the helicopter attempted an emergency landing in Shawa, during which its tail rotor struck the ground, causing the aircraft to overturn.
The CAA reported that there were six crew members, one safety officer, and 14 other passengers on board. A search and rescue operation was initiated from Peshawar with the assistance of the Pakistan Army.
The Mari Gas Company was using this Russian-made helicopter to access remote areas for oil and gas exploration. The helicopter had been leased from a company affiliated with the Russian firm, PANH Helicopters, through the Princely Jet Company.
The CAA had issued a six-month Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for the helicopter in accordance with the legal requirements of the lease, which is set to expire on September 28, 2024. According to the lease agreement, the maintenance and crew training for the helicopter were the responsibility of the Russian company, PANH.
CAA officials confirmed that the Bureau of Safety Investigation (BASI) will carry out further investigations into the accident.
