ONGC helicopters undergo safety audit in aftermath of Pawan Hans chopper crash

The Rotary Wing Association of India (RWSI) conducted a 15-day special safety audit for three of three providers of ONGC, Pawan Hans, Heligo and Global Vectra.

The Rotary Wing Association of India (RWSI) conducted a 15-day special safety audit for three of three providers of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Pawan Hans, Heligo and Global Vectra.

Five of the seven people who died in the Pawan Hans helicopter crash in January were ONGC staff members. (HT file photo)

The RWSI is a not-for-profit professional society registered for the growth of civil and military helicopter industry in India.

The audit, which began on January 22, was undertaken after the ONGC commissioned RWSI to inspect the helicopters flying for them in the aftermath of the Pawan Hans helicopter crash.

Five of the seven people who died in the Pawan Hans helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea on January 13 were ONGC staff members, who were being flown to the Bombay High offshore oil field operated by the oil company.

The findings of the study will be submitted shortly.

Captain Uday Gellsi, president, RWSI (Western Region) said, “On ONGC’s request, we audited its service providers. The findings are likely to be presented to the ONGC on February 13.”

“The ONGC has been on its toes to improve safety measures after the loss of their deputy general managers in the Pawan Hans helicopter crash. This audit will help in the improvement of the system and better maintenance of records,” said an ONGC official.